HeartBug

I’ve used HeartBug twice and had technical issues both times that required a replacement device to be mailed out to me. Pro: Convenience. I didn’t have to travel hours because it was fitted at my local GP. Cons: Connectivity can be a bit unreliable. There is no access to your own report. There is no patient portal, and results are not uploaded to My Health Record. As a patient, I have no direct access to my own results. My GP mentioned that I have an abnormal heartbeat, but that’s not useful when you’re in the emergency department at 3 a.m. and the nurse is asking, “Abnormal in what way? Bradycardia? Tachycardia? Long QT? Electrical instability? PVCs?” I couldn’t answer, because I wasn’t given that information. In 2025, it’s frustrating that we’re still gatekeeping medical results from patients. These are my results — they don’t belong to HeartBug or my doctor. I think next time I’ll probably go through my cardiologist’s office instead. He always provides me with a copy of my holter and echo results — which should be the bare minimum. I still don’t know what my heartbug findings were.

The device stays apparently “connected” via Bluetooth but is “unable to be located” by the app. I’ve had to remove, reset (with fork prongs) and re-site the device multiple times and I’ve only had it on for 1 of the 4 expected weeks. The combination of the device and the app just doesn’t do what’s it’s intended to do without significant involvement by the wearer (frequently interacting with support staff via text, phone and email). If I were less tech-savvy, there’d be no way I could troubleshoot this annoying app and device. I’m not sure what the solution is but this is currently (and is expected to be for 3 more weeks) a frustrating and irritating app and device.

I was fully prepared to give this a one star review along similar lines to previous reviews: great idea but terrible connectivity. I had gone through two bugs with constant drop outs and was waiting on my third direct from the company. When the third arrived the app also received an update which has resolved the connection issue. I’ve had the bug on for a few days now with no drop outs; hopefully this continues. I also found the customer service to be very good. While texting and emailing is not the most personal, it is efficient and the way of the world we live in.