JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Electrocardiograms (ECG) are used by physicians to record, monitor and diagnose the electrical activity of the heart. Recent technological advances have allowed ECG devices to move out of the clinic to the home environment.

Objective:

This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of mobile ECG devices including the technology used, the intended clinical use, and the available clinical evidence.

Methods:

We conducted a scoping review to find studies concerning mobile ECG devices in the electronic database PubMed. Secondarily, an internet search was performed to identify other ECG devices on the market. We summarized the devices’ technical information and usability characteristics based on manufacturers data. Per device, we searched for clinical evidence on the capabilities to record heart disorders.

Results:

From the PubMed database and internet search, we identified 53 ECG devices with available manufacturer information. Technical characteristics such as shape, number of leads, and signal processing influence the capabilities of the devices to record cardiac disorders. Of the 53 devices, only 18 have clinical evidence available regarding the ability to detect heart disorders such as rhythm disorders, more specifically atrial fibrillation.

Conclusions:

ECG devices on the market are mainly intended to be used for the detection of arrhythmias. No devices are intended to be used for the detection of other cardiac disorders. Technical and design characteristics influence the intended use of devices and use environments. Current trends include the use of other sensors on ECG devices to increase the detection capabilities of the devices.