Heart rate pacing devices - accuracy and responsiveness

FYI useful summary from:

 

Comments

 

Refers to the following group, run as a wiki with learning units, which is a solid enough reason to have a Facebook account, if even just for that group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1511910682235160/

 

I did look into this a few years ago, I do own a H7 chest strap.

I have done 'direct' comparisons between the H7's readings and a few (3) other devices.

My reading, and experience, suggests that whilst these inaccuracies are very real they mainly affect readings taken during intense.exercise.

A difference of 5-10bpm at 80bpm is less significant than an error of 30-40bpm, with a lag of minutes, at 170bpm, especially to someone in active training.

 

Comparing an H10 to Fitbit, I saw 30bpm differences just shuffling around a room. Was astounding.

 

Battery life on the H10 is insanely good BTW. Enough of a reason to replace an H7. 6 weeks @ 24*7

 

I very rarely use it, the last time was probably over a year ago when comparing smart watch HR monitors to decide which to keep (actually more complicated than that but that's the gist).

It probably won't now be used until August/September as I noticed odd readings on my vivoactive 3 (very low HR, staying in the mid 30s for minutes) whilst I was on holiday, so I want to see if they happen again, in the same situation, and confirm that they are actually happening using the chest strap.

 

It did catch me by surprise lol.

After years of being tachy my HR is now usually within normal range, but for some reason on that trip and for a couple of weeks afterwards it kept dropping into the 40s, and sometimes the 30s, and hanging around there for a while.

Slightly odd.

 

Well, you're still with us!!!

 

Did you discuss with a medic?

 

No, my old GP was useless for anything she couldn't see there and then, and even if she had looked at the logs they are in 10 minute increments and only show it going down into the 40s (it not having stayed in the 30s for longer than 10 minutes).

I also haven't really been able to get out since getting back, I have other more important things to discuss with a new GP as and when I am up to writing/seeing her - it's not a priority, and as I'm not currently wearing the HR watch apart from when outside for all I know it's stopped happening.

I did google it, the conclusion I reached was that provided it's not causing 'symptoms' (how would I tell that lol) then not to worry about it.

 

The problem I've had with optical wrist monitors is dropouts.

But if I want to measure HR, I just use my father's old Garmin ECG type monitor. The ECG straps have their own quirks, specifically they need some moisture for conductivity. If you're an athlete, this is provided free of charge (sweat), and so sedentary users would need to use ECG gel under the strap.

 

Gel's not needed anymore with the H10, for example. Much of the tech development is not just in the actual electronics, it's in the materials technology. The strap is a conductive silicon blend that just works, which makes it more expensive to replace when it wears.

Can't remember the last time I even wet my finger to wipe under it, let alone gel. I used to at the start, year ago plus, then realised it didn't need it. It basically just works. Unless I'm super greasy!

 

I’ve very occasionally (x3 in 6 weeks) had some 0 readings from my Polar H10, which I’ve generally found excellent. As I’m still here, think it comes from when I twist or some posture that occasionally breaks the contact. Otherwise v helpful especially with an app that has an alarm for high HR.

 

Sounds like twisting with a strap that could be tighter, or the strap has aged and needs replacing. 24*7 use needs replacing every 6 months in my experience

V good docs and support re apps in that FB group BTW

 

yes, have tightened up a bit. And am part of the Fb Groups too, v helpful.