Charge 6 Newbie

[JimStarr]

I'm about to buy a Charge 6 after wearing an Inspire 3 for several years. Realizing the new device will only offer a limited type of feedback, I want to learn as much as I can about how to make the most of it for my heart health. 

I'm an active 74-year-old in good health with no known heart conditions except for a currently stable aneurysm of the ascending aorta. The way my doctor has described it to me, there’s no need to limit my physical activity because these either grow so slowly as to never become an issue (most likely in my case), or they suddenly pop and require open heart surgery. Mine’s been monitored for several years with regular CT scans, the most recent one earlier this month.* 

At my next physical, I want to start a dialogue with my doctor to understand what kind of data he’s most interested in or what measurements he would advise me to keep an eye on. But in preparation for that discussion, I’m betting someone here might suggest what Charge 6 features could be relevant.

Thanks for any input you can offer.

* For anyone knowledgeable enough to understand the terminology, the results from the most recent one a couple weeks ago stated, “Stable size of the ascending thoracic aorta, 4.5 cm” along with other observations that I read as nothing to be concerned about. Those other observations stated:

”No evidence of intramural hematoma. No calcific atherosclerosis aside from a small deposit of calcium in the distal descending thoracic aorta. Further evaluation of the aorta is limited without aid of IV contrast. Main pulmonary artery is normal in caliber. No suspicious lung nodule, mass or consolidation. Few scattered areas of mild mucous plugging. Mild scarring/atelectasis in the medial lung bases. No pleural effusion. Central airways are patent. No adenopathy. Normal heart size. No pericardial effusion. No visible coronary calcifications. No discernible thyroid nodule. Unremarkable esophagus. No acute process in the upper abdomen. No fracture or aggressive bone lesion.”

[JohnnyRow]

I'm not currently using Inspire 3 or Charge 3 so take what you will of my opinion.  My take is that the biggest difference is the Charge 6 can take on demand ECG.  If you don't have a history of AFib, this is probably not going to be useful to you.  Charge 6 supposedly has more accurate heart rate tracking but I'm not sure user experience bears that out.  Charge 6 might have improved display, which has nothing to do data.  Other than that, most of the data is handled in the back end and is displayed on your phone app.

[JimStarr]

Thanks, Johnny. You're confirming some of what I've read in other places like random Google searches, but it's always good to get more light shed on the subject by an individual who knows the product. 

I definitely don't have a history of AFib, but I guess I'm lucky to be somewhat naive about heart issues in general. 

And I don't know if AFib could be a precursor to an aneurysm bursting. But it's good to know what you said about the ECG feature of the Charge 6. For all I know, if I do have an event, an ECG might offer my doctor, a paramedic or SOMEbody valuable information before I can get to a facility.

So thanks again.