Heart Rate monitors

Question.....I have been trying to increase my running, I currently run 5 times a week 6 - 10 kms at a time....I am wanting to get a heart rate monitor. The reason for this is that when I use my stepper or the treadmill I notice that my heart rate fluctuates dramatically....I spoke with my PM tech on my last visit and she made some adjustments but she told me that maybe is was the machine not picking up my heart rate properly.....I thought that was a reasonable answer, until such time that I was at an excercise program where I have to use the treadmill and it too goes all funny. I finally asked a couple of other people if it did that to them...they said no...it got me thinking....I then read in one of the forums here that someone else had this experience when they were on a treadmill. I notice now when I am on the treadmill I don't feel very good afterwards....I'm starting to wonder if there is some interference going on.

Anyhow, this leads me to the heart rate monitor....because I am increasing my cardio I would like to get a better handle on what my rate is during excercise....can anyone recommend a product...and do you know if they interfere with our PM's? Don't worry if you can't answer, I can always contact the manufacturer...but I just thought if anyone had an answer that would be great.

3 Comments

Holter Monitor

by wired - 2008-04-28 01:04:14

I would go back to your PM clinic and ask them to put a holter monitor on to see what the Heart rates are actually doing. You can also buy accurate monitor but they are expensive. Use your medical system and you resourses.

Wired

No interference likely incorrect readings are possible

by axg9504 - 2008-04-28 04:04:02

I've had a TImex heart monitor before and post PM. There's no evidence that I know of that it would impact PM function although it may not give correct readings in the presence of the PM. My PM was implanted for bradycardia with exercise. I've tracked my rate since the PM was implanted on a treadmill and indoor track. My PM has an upper limit of 140 which I think should be increased but the doc said no. Anyway, I have noticed that at times my natural conduction will chime in after my PM has maxed out and register rates above 140. However I've seen 240 !!! at times on my Timex. I have noticed this on the treadmill only, but that's only because on the treadmill I am constantly looking at my Timex watch which is in front of me. I first panicked when I saw this but when I checked my rate using the treadmill monitor it was well within limits and I also did not feel any distress.

So I assume there can be a problem with the Timex reading when the PM is present. However I have never seen a high reading or anything abnormal when I'm at rest or walking. I'm waiting for my next interrogation - they should be able to tell you what the max (unpaced) observed reading was since your last visit.

My Timex has worked pretty well except for this. As for the treadmill monitor it can depend on the make. The older ones that my Y had would show a reading with my towel resting on it ! I think the newer ones sport Polar monitors and seem to be more accurate. However there is a warning on the treadmill that the readings are not accurate above 4 mph,

I have found, on calling Timex that they don't give unequivocal answers on questions such as the effect of a PM. It's always 'might' or 'maybe'.

Heart Rate Monitors

by BarneyG - 2008-05-20 07:05:33

Maryanne
I'm 57 and had my PM implanted in 2002 and was an avid long distance runner before that (6 marathons). After the PM, I got a bit despondent and my exercising slipped. I decided to buy a Heart rate monitor to try and get motivated again. It worked a treat and I've since done 5 more marathons and numerous half marathons. I've been a bit slack this last year with knee injuries etc.
I bought a Polar S610i HRM and there were no interference problems etc. The monitor I bought is capable of downloading each complete exercise via infra-red to your laptop or desktop and it's good to be able to follow your progress.
Can't recommend them highly enough.
Regards

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