Heart health monitoring is entering the smart era. A precise, portable, and easy-to-use electrocardiogram (ECG) device allows you to keep track of your heart condition anytime. This article will recommend the most worthwhile portable ECG devices, analyze key buying points, usage tips, and common questions to help you find the most suitable home heart monitoring solution.
1. Top 5 Recommended Portable ECG Devices
1. Apple Watch Series 9 (ECG version)
- Detection Type: Single-lead ECG
- Accuracy: FDA certified (can detect atrial fibrillation)
- Special Features: Blood oxygen monitoring, fall detection, activity tracking
- Price: ¥2,999 and up
- Suitable For: Healthy individuals for daily screening
2. Huawei Watch GT 4 Pro
- Detection Type: Dual-mode PPG+ECG heart rate
- Accuracy: CFDA certified (supports atrial fibrillation/premature beat alerts)
- Special Features: Arterial elasticity detection, wireless charging
- Price: ¥2,688 and up
- Suitable For: Huawei phone users
3. Lepu ECG Recorder EE-12
- Detection Type: Medical-grade 6-lead ECG
- Accuracy: NMPA Class III medical device certified
- Special Features: AI automatic analysis report, remote interpretation by top-tier hospitals
- Price: ¥1,299
- Suitable For: Home monitoring for heart disease patients
4. Yuwell ECG Monitor YE680A
- Detection Type: Single-lead ECG
- Accuracy: CE certified
- Special Features: App generates PDF reports, abnormal heart rhythm alerts
- Price: ¥599
- Suitable For: Backup device for middle-aged and elderly families
5. Withings ScanWatch Hybrid
- Detection Type: Medical-grade ECG + SpO2
- Accuracy: EU CE certified
- Special Features: 28-day battery life, sleep apnea screening
- Price: ¥2,499
- Suitable For: Business users needing long battery life
2. Five Key Buying Criteria for Portable ECG Devices
1. Lead Type Determines Professional Level
| Type | Number of Electrodes | Detection Capability | Suitable Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-lead | 1-2 | Basic heart rate / atrial fibrillation screening | Daily health monitoring |
| 6-lead | 6 | Myocardial ischemia / premature beat identification | Heart disease patients |
| 12-lead | 12 | Professional-grade ECG | Medical diagnosis |
2. Certification (Core Guarantee)
- FDA Certification: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (e.g., Apple Watch)
- CE Certification: European Union standard (e.g., Withings)
- NMPA Class III Certification: China’s highest medical certification (e.g., Lepu EE-12)
3. Data Analysis Capability
- Basic: Only shows heart rate curve (Yuwell YE680A)
- Intermediate: AI automatic analysis (Lepu EE-12)
- Advanced: Remote interpretation by top-tier doctors (paid service)
4. Battery Life and Portability
- Smartwatches: 1-7 days (requires frequent charging)
- Professional devices: Over 30 days (e.g., Withings 28 days)
- Electrode patch types: Need to replace electrode patches (¥5-10 per use)
5. Price Range
- Entry-level: ¥500-1,000 (single-lead)
- Professional: ¥1,000-3,000 (6-lead)
- Medical-grade: ¥3,000+ (12-lead)
3. Buying Guide for Different Groups
1. Healthy Individuals for Screening
- First Choice: Apple Watch / Huawei GT 4 (combines sports and health)
- Note: Smartwatch ECGs cannot replace professional equipment
2. Heart Disease Patients
- Must Choose: Lepu EE-12 (6-lead + hospital-grade analysis)
- Alternative: Kangshang handheld 12-lead device (use under doctor guidance)
3. Middle-aged and Elderly Users
- Recommended: Yuwell YE680A (large screen + voice broadcast)
- Preferred: Models with SOS emergency function
4. Sports Enthusiasts
- Special Choice: Garmin Venu 3 (HRV heart rate variability analysis)
4. Usage Precautions
1. Correct Measurement Method
- Clean skin (wipe electrode contact area with alcohol swab)
- Sit quietly for 5 minutes (rest 30 minutes after exercise)
- Place electrodes according to instructions (smartwatches require finger pressing)
2. Key Points in Data Interpretation
- Normal ECG: Heart rate 60-100 bpm, regular waveform
- Abnormal Alerts:
- Atrial fibrillation: completely irregular waveform
- Premature beats: abnormal QRS complexes
- Myocardial ischemia: ST segment elevation/depression
3. Maintenance
- Electrode Care: Clean weekly with alcohol (replace conductive gel patches regularly)
- Device Storage: Avoid high temperature and humidity (especially electrode patch types)
5. FAQ
Q1: Are home ECG devices accurate?
✅ Devices certified by FDA/CE/NMPA have <5% error but cannot replace hospital diagnosis.
Q2: What to do if abnormalities are detected?
⚠️ Immediately save the ECG and bring the report to a cardiology specialist (brands supporting doctor interpretation like Lepu are recommended).
Q3: Which is better, smartwatches or professional devices?
⌚ For health monitoring, choose smartwatches; for disease management, choose professional devices (6 leads or above).
Q4: Is daily testing necessary?
❤️ Heart disease patients are advised to test once daily; healthy individuals 2-3 times weekly.