Frontier X Plus heads to clinics with prescription-only approval
The Frontier X Plus just got the green light from the FDA as a prescription-only device. That means clinics and hospitals can now use this chest-strap wearable to spot atrial fibrillation and other heart rhythm issues, with data accurate enough for medical use.
This marks a shift for Fourth Frontier. While the Frontier X and X2 were pitched to consumers looking to monitor their heart under stress or during intense exercise, the X Plus steps firmly into clinical territory. The device can now be prescribed for long-term ECG monitoring, with deployment planned in hospitals, diagnostic labs and cardiac rehab centres.
I actually had a chance to review the Frontier X2 and its predecessor. Both offer impressive heart rate and ECG insights taking what you get from a typical heart rate chest strap up a notch. Now, these earlier models were not medical devices. But they hinted at the clinical potential that the X Plus is now realising.
Comfort-first design meets clinical-grade function
Unlike traditional Holter monitors, which often rely on stick-on electrodes and bulky recorders, the Frontier X Plus is a compact chest strap. So in that sense it is no different from its predecessors.
It takes under a minute to self-apply and skips the adhesives and wires entirely. That makes it more practical for everyday wear, especially for those undergoing multi-day monitoring or rehab. It’s also reusable and rechargeable, which helps from a cost and logistics standpoint.
Under the hood, the device provides continuous single-channel ECG data, streaming or storing rhythm information for later analysis. Its built-in algorithm doesn’t just pick up atrial fibrillation. It also identifies bradycardia, tachycardia, normal sinus rhythm, and rhythms it classifies as inconclusive or unreadable. That gives it some range in terms of use cases, from routine screening to investigating intermittent symptoms that patients may not experience during a short clinic visit.
The device is indicated for adults who may have symptoms or even for those who don’t—essentially broadening its use to include both diagnosed patients and health-conscious individuals looking for proactive cardiac insights. Importantly, though, the X Plus is not intended to diagnose ischemia, and it hasn’t been tested in individuals with pacemakers or ICDs. That distinction matters, and users will need to consult the official Instructions for Use to understand where the device fits in the broader monitoring landscape.
Our takeaway
Fourth Frontier has already logged tens of thousands of hours of ECG data through its devices. With FDA clearance now in place, the company appears ready to scale up its presence in clinical environments.
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Whether it’s for check-ups after a hospital stay or keeping an eye on heart health from home, the Frontier X Plus could be a handy alternative to the usual clunky monitors. It’s wearable, easy to use, and might fit well into how some clinics manage remote heart tracking.
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