Heart Rate Watches and devices

Garmin

by wjs1954 - 2017-10-09 22:14:35

I have had garmins for years without issues with the pacemaker. Older models used a HR Strap new one has wrist sensor no problems and very accurate. 

Fitbit..... but

by MartyP - 2017-10-10 00:19:43

So i also wanted to monitor my heart rate particularly at night so I got a Fitbit Charge 2.

Kept it for 2 weeks and gave it away.  

Why you may ask .... because I have OCD tendencies and I was looking at it almost every few minutes.

I know the PM is working as it should and I hardy think about it any more.

I'm about 18 weeks since I got Sparky....😁

try before you buy

by Tracey_E - 2017-10-10 10:17:05

They are notoriously inaccurate for us. Perfectly safe to use, but pacing can throw them off and make them inaccurate. I bought three different ones and returned them all.

It's ok to use it as a tool when you are exercising or don't feel well, but don't get in the habit of montoring your heart all the time. You'll make yourself crazy. If you feel good, trust that the pacer is doing its job. When I work out, I go by how I feel. If I am sweating, can talk but not sing, feel strong, then I figure my heart rate is perfect. 

HR Monitors

by Lurch - 2017-10-10 10:43:06

As TraceyE said, if you are being paced a lot the HR monitors will have trouble obtaining a good reading.  I am not paced typically (ICD) and have used both the Fitbit Surge and now an Apple Watch.  

Both have worked without any problems.  I switched to the Apple Watch because I wanted more capabilities.  I usually sleep with the watch on as I have an app that tracks my sleep.  While sleeping I often lay my arms on my chest placing the watch within a couple of inches from my device; never had any issues.

I also have an app on my phone that alerts me if my heart rate exceeds a limit that I set.  I use this a lot when exercising or doing manual labor around the house.  If my HR gets above a certain point I get ill, so thise gives me some warning if I am not playing attendtion. 

Lurch - what Apple Apps

by 1975auburn - 2017-10-18 10:24:05

Could you please share your list of Apple Watch Apps you found work best for you?  The one you have set-up with high end alarms at night sound especially helpful for me as well. And I would appreciate learning from your exsperence.  I'm 14 days post op today. Thanks.

Apple watch

by Wired28 - 2017-10-25 03:08:49

Love my apple watch! Use the heartwatch app all the time and find it great. Provides interesting info and based on Hospital visits the accuracy is pretty good. The fact that you can use it for other things means it can be really versatile. The 3 also gives you the option of being able to make calls without your phone so I find it comforting when exercising that I can call for help if I get into trouble. Yes you can be a little obsessive about watching your heart rate but this can be comforting and a good learning curve to get the feel of the new you. Once the novelty wears off and the apprehension declines it’s still a great tool for monitoring your workouts and everyday activity as well as having the other features offered on the watch. Highly recommend it and no I’m not on commission haha!!😀

Heart Rate Monitors/Watches

by Skippyhop02 - 2017-10-26 18:09:24

I had my PM fitted 5 weeks ago. At my first check up this week I asked about HR monitors and the like. The nurse produced a huge document from one of the manufacturers that gave loads of do's and dont's. I am a cyling instructor (Bikeability), cycle frequently but not huge distances. I have a Garmin Edge 810 and just prior to my PM being fitted purchased a chest strap for the same that is Blutooth connected to the main device. So I asked about HR monitors. My nurse gave very strong advice not to use is as it may/will affect the "pacing". I understand that the accuracy may not be as good as before, I'm looking for indcators not absolute perfection. So the answer given has scared me off using the tools I currently have. Are wrist based devices any good, obviously I'd have to give up facilities on the Garmin in exchange for others on the wrist based product. She also advised me not to use my chainsaw, my wife is now feeling happy/safer!

Heart Rate Monitors

by Wade - 2017-10-30 22:03:25

Okay cyclists, I need options for heart rate monitor. On my first ride post pm my chest strap version went haywire for a few seconds and then just locked up and read zero. And I'm not sure but I think it was affecting my pace maker so I took it off. 

Optical HRM

by Mmutley - 2018-01-16 19:40:54

i use a scosche rhythm+, great HRM, and as its optical doesn't get the electronic interference issues that others do. It's pretty accurate too.

hope this helps