Can I Use Polar HR Monitor?

Hi everyone. I had my pm just 1 year ago for sick sinus syndrome and it is programmed to work on demand if my rate goes below 60bpm. I have started running again, nothing strenuous, just 2x30mins per week. Things seem fine, no more issues after exercise with my heart stopping!!!
Can I use a HR monitor to help my training - interested to know how you guys cope? (I have my 1st year check-up in 2 weeks so I'll ask the doctors anyway before doing anything).
Had frozen shoulder for several months but now much better!

8 Comments

Sure can!

by heartu - 2010-07-06 07:07:02

I have the Polar FT7 and works great! BTW, my EP said it was ok to use one.

F6 works great for me...

by COBradyBunch - 2010-07-07 01:07:03

I have been using HRM's for years, including the year since I had my PM implanted and have not had any problems. Also use a Garmin and that works great also. I pace very little (on demand only when I brady under 50) and am not pacer dependent and I am not sure if that makes a big difference or not but I am sure someone else will be able to chime in.

Polar FT7

by ElectricFrank - 2010-07-07 02:07:23

The Polar FT7 uses the hearts ECG picked up from a chest strap. The only potential problem is that the ECG type tend to read the pacemaker pulse as well as the ventricular S wave and can jump into showing your HR as double the actual rate. Just be aware during cool down that your displayed HR may suddenly jump from 60 to 120 when the pacer kicks in. All you need to do is to manually check your wrist pulse to see that it is really 60.

This only happens with some monitors and is also dependent on some of the pacer settings.

frank

Electric Frank, interesting...

by heartu - 2010-07-07 09:07:17

Frank, I haven't had a problem with the monitor while walking or cycling, but I have noticed the spikes only when I do Pilates ab workouts. Don't know why but all of a sudden it will show over 200 and drop right down. I know it is a false reading because I then take my pulse and it is ok. On the treadmill or bicycle no problems whatsoever.

Heartu

by ElectricFrank - 2010-07-08 01:07:02

Ab workouts generate a lot of EMG muscle activity. This is the signals that muscles put out when they are contracting. It is conducted through body fluids and is picked up by the monitor.

Next time you are hooked up to a monitor in ER (hope never) watch the screen and contract abs or chest muscles and check it out.

frank

No HR

by ElectricFrank - 2010-07-08 02:07:21

Reminds me of what I used to tell my electronics students during my intro.."Any student dying during my lecture and failing to fall over will receive an immediate F" It was interesting to watch the statement sink in!

frank

no luck here

by Tracey_E - 2010-07-08 09:07:31

The polar monitors show no hr for me, lol. I don't feel dead so I guess it's the pm interfering and I returned it. I haven't been able to find one that works for me.

Definitely seeing spikes with Polar FT

by mjayjock - 2012-12-13 10:12:27

I jog every day - I have a PM for about 15 months now. I use the FT7 and an ePulse2 HRM simultaneously. The latter uses light to catch the pulse in my forearm. Some days there are no pulses but some days like today the FT7 will show 180 or so for a little while while the ePulse2 stays low. I feel nothing. I appreciate this club and the info shared here. I will post more later.

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