How to Save and Export EKG Data on Android

You can save and export EKG data on Android by using your device’s built-in health app, third-party EKG apps, or cloud storage services that automatically sync your heart rhythm recordings.

Most Android EKG apps offer export options through email, Google Drive, or direct file downloads in PDF or CSV formats for easy sharing with healthcare providers.

Quick Steps to Export Your EKG Data

Want to get straight to the point? Here’s what you need to do right now.

Open your EKG app and look for “Export,” “Share,” or “Save” buttons. These usually appear as icons near your recorded data. Tap the recording you want to save, then choose your export method.

I found that most people miss this simple step: check your app’s settings menu first. Many Android EKG apps hide their best export features there.

Finding Your EKG Recordings

Your EKG data lives in different places depending on which app you use. Samsung Health stores recordings in the “Heart Rate” section. Google Fit keeps them under “Vitals.”

Third-party apps like Kardia or ECG Logger typically show a history tab or recordings list on the main screen.

Choosing the Right Export Format

You’ll see several format options when exporting. PDF works best for sharing with doctors. CSV files help if you want to analyze data in spreadsheets. Some apps also offer XML or JSON formats for technical users.

Think of it like choosing between a photo and a spreadsheet. PDFs show visual EKG waves. CSV files give you raw numbers.

Using Samsung Health for EKG Export

Samsung devices with built-in EKG sensors make data export pretty straightforward. But you need to know where to look.

Accessing Samsung Health EKG Data

Open Samsung Health and tap the heart icon at the bottom. Find “Electrocardiogram” in your health categories. If you don’t see it, tap “Manage items” to add it.

Your EKG recordings appear as a timeline. Each entry shows the date, time, and basic rhythm analysis.

Exporting from Samsung Health

Tap any EKG recording to open the detailed view. Look for the three-dot menu in the top-right corner. Select “Export” or “Share.”

Samsung Health lets you export to email, Google Drive, or other apps installed on your phone. The file comes out as a PDF with both the visual EKG trace and text summary.

Samsung Health Export Limitations

I researched Samsung’s export features and found some limits. You can only export one recording at a time. Bulk export isn’t available yet.

Also, Samsung Health keeps EKG data for up to 12 months before automatically deleting older recordings.

Google Fit and Android Health Integration

Google Fit works differently than Samsung Health. It focuses more on fitness data but can handle EKG information from compatible devices.

Connecting EKG Devices to Google Fit

Many third-party EKG monitors sync with Google Fit automatically. Check your device’s companion app for Google Fit integration options.

Once connected, your EKG data appears in Google Fit’s health metrics section. You’ll find it under “Browse” then “Health metrics.”

Exporting Google Fit Health Data

Google Fit offers a powerful export feature through Google Takeout. Go to takeout.google.com and select “Fit (Activity data).”

This downloads all your Google Fit data, including EKG recordings, as a ZIP file. The EKG data comes in JSON format, which works well for technical analysis.

Third-Party EKG Apps and Export Options

Third-party apps often provide the most flexible export options. Let me walk you through the popular ones.

Kardia Mobile App Export

The Kardia app makes exporting simple. After taking an EKG, tap the recording in your history. You’ll see a “Share” button that lets you email the EKG as a PDF.

Kardia also offers premium features like bulk export and detailed analytics. I found that their PDF exports include more clinical details than most other apps.

ECG Logger and Similar Apps

Apps like ECG Logger focus on data collection and export. They typically offer multiple export formats and cloud storage integration.

Look for apps that support automatic backups to Google Drive or Dropbox. This way, your EKG data stays safe even if you lose your phone.

Choosing Reliable EKG Apps

When picking an EKG app, check for FDA approval or CE marking. These certifications mean the app meets medical device standards.

I came across research showing that FDA-cleared apps provide more accurate readings and better export quality (FDA).

Manual Export Methods

Sometimes you need to get creative with data export. Here are backup methods that work when standard options fail.

Screenshot and Screen Recording

Taking screenshots of your EKG readings works as a last resort. Use your Android’s screenshot feature (usually power button plus volume down).

For longer EKG strips, try screen recording while scrolling through the data. This captures the full recording timeline.

Email Integration

Most Android EKG apps connect to your email app. When you tap “Share,” choose your email app and send the EKG data to yourself or your doctor.

This creates an automatic backup in your email account. Plus, you can organize EKG emails in a dedicated folder for easy access.

Cloud Storage Solutions

Cloud storage keeps your EKG data safe and accessible from anywhere. Here’s how to set it up properly.

Google Drive Integration

Many EKG apps offer direct Google Drive upload. Enable this feature in your app settings to automatically backup new recordings.

Create a dedicated “EKG Data” folder in your Google Drive. This keeps health information organized and easy to find.

Dropbox and OneDrive Options

Some apps work with Dropbox or Microsoft OneDrive instead of Google Drive. Check your app’s sharing options to see which cloud services it supports.

The advantage? You can access your EKG data from computers, tablets, or other phones using the same cloud account.

Privacy Considerations for Cloud Storage

Health data deserves extra privacy protection. Make sure your cloud storage uses strong passwords and two-factor authentication.

I read that encrypted cloud storage services provide better protection for medical data (NIH). Consider upgrading to premium plans that offer enhanced security features.

Sharing EKG Data with Healthcare Providers

Your doctor needs EKG data in specific formats. Here’s how to prepare your recordings for medical review.

Preferred Medical Formats

Doctors typically prefer PDF exports because they show both the EKG waveform and measurement data clearly. Avoid screenshot images when possible.

Some medical practices accept CSV files for importing into electronic health records. Ask your healthcare provider about their preferred format before your appointment.

Including Context Information

When sharing EKG data, include notes about symptoms or activities during the recording. Many apps let you add text notes to each EKG entry.

This context helps doctors interpret your EKG readings more accurately. Did you feel chest pain? Were you exercising? These details matter.

Data Organization and Storage Tips

Keeping your EKG data organized saves time and reduces stress during medical appointments.

File Naming Conventions

Create a consistent naming system for your EKG files. Try formats like “EKG_2024-01-15_Morning” or “HeartRhythm_Jan15_ChestPain.”

Good file names help you find specific recordings quickly. They also help doctors understand when and why you took each EKG.

Backup Strategies

Don’t rely on just one storage method. Keep EKG data in at least two places: your phone and cloud storage.

Consider printing important EKG recordings as well. Paper backups work when technology fails.

Regular Data Maintenance

Clean up old EKG files periodically. Keep medically important recordings but delete routine checks that don’t show problems.

This prevents storage overload and makes finding important data easier.

Export Method	Best For	File Format	Sharing Ease
App Built-in Export	Quick sharing	PDF, CSV	High
Email Integration	Doctor appointments	PDF	High
Cloud Storage	Long-term backup	Multiple	Medium
Screenshots	Emergency backup	Image	Low

Troubleshooting Common Export Problems

Export features don’t always work perfectly. Here are solutions for common issues.

App Won’t Export Data

Try restarting the app first. Close it completely and reopen it. If that doesn’t work, restart your phone.

Check for app updates in the Google Play Store. Newer versions often fix export bugs.

Files Won’t Open

Make sure you have the right apps to view exported files. PDF files need a PDF reader. CSV files work with Google Sheets or Excel.

Some exported files get corrupted during transfer. Try exporting again if files won’t open properly.

Storage Space Issues

EKG files can take up significant storage space over time. If exports fail, check your available storage.

Delete unnecessary files or move old EKG data to cloud storage to free up space.

Advanced Export Techniques

Tech-savvy users can try more advanced methods for handling EKG data.

API Access and Automation

Some EKG apps offer API access for automatic data export. This works well if you’re comfortable with basic programming.

APIs let you automatically backup EKG data to custom locations or integrate with other health tracking systems.

Database Export Options

Advanced apps sometimes allow direct database export. This gives you complete access to all recorded EKG data and metadata.

Database exports work best for users who want to perform detailed analysis or create custom reports.

Privacy and Security Best Practices

EKG data contains sensitive health information that needs protection.

Secure Sharing Methods

Use encrypted email or secure file sharing services when sending EKG data to healthcare providers. Avoid standard email for sensitive medical information.

Many medical practices offer secure patient portals for sharing health data safely.

Local Storage Security

Enable screen lock and device encryption on your Android phone. This protects EKG data if your device gets lost or stolen.

Consider using apps that offer additional encryption for health data storage.

Conclusion

Saving and exporting EKG data on Android doesn’t have to be complicated. Most apps provide simple export options through email, cloud storage, or direct file downloads. The key is knowing where to look and choosing the right format for your needs.

Remember to keep your EKG data organized and backed up in multiple locations. Whether you use Samsung Health, Google Fit, or third-party apps, regular exports help ensure your heart health information stays safe and accessible when you need it most.

Can I export EKG data from multiple apps at once?

Most apps require individual exports, but you can use Google Takeout to download all health data connected to your Google account simultaneously. This includes EKG data from apps that sync with Google Fit.

What’s the best file format for sharing EKG data with doctors?

PDF format works best for medical professionals because it preserves both the visual EKG waveform and accompanying measurements. It’s universally readable and maintains data integrity across different devices.

How long should I keep exported EKG recordings?

Keep EKG recordings that show abnormalities or were taken during symptoms indefinitely. Routine normal recordings can be deleted after 6-12 months unless your doctor recommends longer storage for tracking purposes.

Why won’t my EKG app export to certain cloud services?

App developers choose specific cloud integrations based on partnerships and technical compatibility. If your preferred service isn’t supported, try using the app’s email export feature to send files to yourself, then manually upload to your chosen cloud storage.

Can exported EKG files be edited or modified?

PDF and image exports typically can’t be modified without specialized software, which helps maintain data integrity. CSV files can be edited in spreadsheet programs, but medical professionals may not accept modified data files for diagnostic purposes.