My Polar 4 does not work with my Meditronik pacemaker

try before you buy

by Tracey_E - 2016-08-27 13:14:35

I returned the Polar I bought when nothing I tried got it to read. Some members have successfully found brands that work for them but I was never able to. I tried every one they sold 2 chain sporting good stores and one high end running store, tho the guy at the running store said most of them use the same 2 or 3 technologies. They don't usually like you playing with them in the store, but when I explained why I wanted to, they were nice about it. All of them either show no reading, or show pacer spikes as well as beats so it's way too high. 

I keep a pulse oximeter in my gym bag but rarely use it. It's accurate, but have to stop working out to get a reading. After a while you'll get good at judging by how you feel. If I can talk but not sing, if I'm feeling strong, I assume my rate is good and keep going. I only count if I feel bad. 

FitBit Surge

by Lurch - 2016-08-27 17:05:34

I have an ICD and am not usually paced.  I used a FitBit Surge for about a year and got good results with the heart rate monitor.  I used it to monitor my heart rate as I returned to exercising following my implant.  If I got my heart rate up to high, I got sick, so I used the FitBit to learn where my limits were.  

Now, a disclaimer, I do not do vigerous exercise, typically just walking and some upper body stuff.  

My wife is currently using the FitBit, which is still going strong.  I am currently using an Apple Watch.  The heart rate portion does not record continously as the FitBit does, but it provides me with some other advantages.

Vivofit HR+

by Scotthrower - 2016-08-31 11:19:23

I use the Garmin Vivofit HR+ and it works fine.  It is a wrist variant not a chest strap.  I am pacing 86% of the time and my PM has a sensing mode that increases my HR when I am moving.  As a result even when I am working out I am typically pacing.   Like with any wrist worn device there is some variability in the accuracy but not that significant. 

Garmin also has an app that allows you to track running, biking, and swiming and it is waterproof.  I am not a sales person but I do like this thing.