Heart Rate Monitor

I had seen where someone had mentioned the Polar heart rate monitor and want to ask if anyone knows of any problems the "uncoded" monitors would have with pacemakers. I have looked on the Polar site but found no mention of pacers.
Thanks,
Pete

4 Comments

Wondering the same thing

by HelenB - 2008-05-28 08:05:51

I would be interested to know the answer to this, too. I had been thinking of getting a Polar monitor before I got my ICD, but now I'm not sure if it's a good idea.

Helen

Coded vs. uncoded

by BABlocker - 2008-05-29 11:05:09

I use a polar heart monitor strap that is uncoded; it does not affect my pm functioning at all.

The coded straps simply prevent you from getting interference from other heart rate monitors if you are exercising near someone else.

HR monitor issues

by ElectricFrank - 2008-05-30 02:05:42

Pete,
As BABlocker mentioned the coded version just keeps you from reading the person next to you in the marathon!

A few years back there was some question about the wireless monitors since they are positioned next to your chest and close to the pacer lead wires. I haven't heard anything since.

One other issue though is that the type of monitor that uses contact with the chest or right and left arm use the ECG signal from the heart to make the measurement. The problem is that sometimes they will sense both the pacer pulse and the resultant ventricle contraction and give a reading that is either unstable or twice the actual HR. Whether this happens or not depends on a lot of complex electronic issues. Just don't panic if all of a sudden your HR measure 250.

I bought a Polar that straps on my wrist and has a finger device that uses an LED light to measure blood pulse. It doesn't have the problem above, but tends to be a bit more sensitive to bouncing along walking or running.

frank

HR monitor issues

by Mitch - 2008-05-30 09:05:55

I posted a while back about problems I was having that I was concerned could be due to the Polar HRM. I use the chest strap and was getting readings of up to 235, these also showed up on the PM check.
All HRM that I know of have a cya that they do not reccomend use with a pace maker. I called Polar and they said there was no way the monitor could cause the HR to go up or could cause the PM to fire too fast. I called Medtronics and was told pretty much the same thing. (all this only for my type of pacemaker of course)
The Drs. thought it was atrial Fib and not to worry about it unless it lasted several hours.
I rode without the monitor, without the bike computer, no change. Then quite by accident I started taking my GERD medication, Protonix, in the AM prior to my ride rather than at night. Viola! No more high heart rate! Obviously something going on in the stomach or esophegal tract.Go for a check up Tue. If I learn more I'll post.
Mitch

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