Heart rate monitors

I bought a Fitbit recently mainly for the heart rate function while running. It takes a radial pulse off the wrist.  Some monitors use a chest strap. I took the Fitbit back because while running it said my heart rate was 155 average and going to 164 at times.  That's impossible because I felt fine and that high of a rate would be unsustainable.  But, here's the question.  Since I have A flutter and some A fib and a PM perhaps these devices aren't capable of taking a true reading.  Any insights on this topic?

5 Comments

correct

by Tracey_E - 2018-02-26 16:22:28

It's hard to get an accurate reading. Some have had more luck than others but flutter/afib can mess it up, pacing spikes can confuse monitors and be picked up as beats, the pacer itself can interfere and make it miss beats but that's more likely on a chest strap than wrist. I gave up and go by how I feel. If I can talk but not sing, am sweating and feel strong, I figure my rate is good. I carry a pulse oximeter in my gym bag but rarely use it. It's accurate but I have to stop to use it, which means I have to be feeling pretty bad to go get it. I mostly did that when I knew I was about to switch to end of life mode (when it's time for replacement). It's perfectly safe to use it but don't get too concerned if the numbers it gives you don't make sense sometimes. 

Heart rate monitors

by Adrian II - 2018-02-27 02:24:52

Thanks for your speedy response TracyE.  You sure have a lot of cardio knowledge. Are you in the medical field or did you just take a deep interest in the topic after your own experience?   I agree with you about not needing the monitor.  My body tells me when I'm in flutter/afib.  It's quite obvious that I need to quit the run and start walking, I feel heavy and lack normal energy.  Usually it's due to taking off too fast and forgetting I'm lucky to be able to run at 70 with a PM and flutter/afib.   Thanks again, Adrian

me

by Tracey_E - 2018-02-28 11:20:08

Nope, not in the medical field, just a lifetime patient who's insatiably curious and been blessed with doctors who get that I like to understand what's going on. I learned young that outside of a cardiologist's office, other doctors barely have a clue what's going on with me much less understand any special needs so I needed to be informed. 

Heart rate monitors

by High Voltage - 2018-03-01 19:05:08

Just starting out with the pm and decided to load a free so called Instant Heart rate.You put your finger on the phones camera lense and it gives you your heart rate.So far I like it.Thinking of getting a fit bit.My hesitancy is I think I will be looking at it all the time somethings best left out of site out of mind unless you really think you need to check.

New to the club

by lmpres - 2018-03-16 18:20:35

Hi guys.  Just had a pacemaker put in 3 weeks ago.  My heart rate prior was in the mid to low 40's. Now I am set at 60.  Been trying to get back into my normal exercise routine.  Been running into a roadblock though.  Just prior to the pacemaker going in, my heart rates were the following at the end of a workout

Cybex Machine 120-124

Running on a treadmill 133-135

Now that it's in they are 

Cybex machine 140-142

Running on a treadmill165-170

The running is the big problem.  I am wiped out at about 10 minutes, pushing it to go 15.  I was running 35 minutes 2 days before the implant.  I am assuming it's because of the rapid heart rate.  Is a rate that high dangerous?  I am a 58 year old male.

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