When the Apple Watches were first introduced, it seemed there was talk of using the watch to monitor a lot of health conditions that weren’t available at release. The Watch has been used to monitor some health conditions and for some clinical trials, but not as many as I had envisioned. Now AliveCor’s KardiaBand is the first FDA-cleared, clinical-grade accessory for the Watch for detecting atrial fibrillation (AF) and normal sinus rhythm in an EKG.
The KardiaBand replaces your normal Watch band. It pairs with the SmartRhythm app, and you can take an EKG reading as easily as opening the app, sitting down, placing your thumb on the band’s metal contact, and waiting a few seconds while the band takes the measurements. The app evaluates your readings and determines if everything is okay or if it detects signs of atrial fibrillation. It even monitors your heart rate and physical activity, and it can prompt you to take a reading if it suspects something may be wrong.
You’ll require a Kardia Premium membership to use the EKG band; it’s $99 annually or $9.99 a month, with the first month free. You’ll have unlimited storage of all your readings, and you’ll get a monthly EKG summary report for your doctor. You can also use the app to store your weight, blood pressure readings, and activity.
Just like the Apple Sport bands, you’ll receive three band components so you can achieve a good fit. The KardiaBand is available in black only and sized to fit the 38mm or the 42mm Apple Watch. It’s $199.00 at AliveCor.
Fitbit Inspire 3 Health &-Fitness-Tracker with Stress Management, Workout Intensity, Sleep Tracking, 24/7 Heart Rate and more, Midnight Zen/Black One Size (S & L Bands Included)
$98.00 (as of April 17, 2025 21:49 GMT -04:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
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Great idea and likely very useful, until I read this:
“You’ll require a Kardia Premium membership to use the EKG band; it’s $99 annually or $9.99 a month, with the first month free.”
Yet another ‘pay me a monthly license to use the technology you paid for in advance’. It reminds of Ancestory.com; $89 for the DNA analysis, but wait, you’ll have to pay MORE to actually access any useful information. (Imagine buying a car and having to pay a monthly fee to use the air conditioning or to roll up the windows)
I wonder how many potential customers they’ll lose because of this model.