Exercise Heart Rate Monitors

I have been walking using a highly rated Nonin Go2 Achieve finger heart rate monitor. But, even warming my fingers to attempt to get a better pulse rate reading, I cannot get reasonably consistent readings. Frequently, it just times out with no reading at all.

I concluded that a wrist unit with a chest strap would be a better option, and purchased a Garmin Forerunner 210, but have yet to actually try it, because I am worried about possible interference between the Garmin and my Medtronics pacemaker. From what I have read, it is not the Garmin affecting the pacemaker operation, but rather, the pacemaker causing inaccurate and inconsistent Garmin pulse rate readings.

I would appreciate any knowlege or experience others may have regarding this issue--most importantly, the risk of using such a device and jeapordizing the proper operation of my pacemaker. Thank you.

7 Comments

monitors

by Tracey_E - 2013-06-01 02:06:08

You are correct, it is the pm interfering with the monitor, not the other way around. It either interferes with the signal so it shows no reading, or the monitor picks up the pm spikes so the rate it shows is too high. You will not hurt the pm.

There are some members here who have found monitors that work for them. If you do a search you can find some names but there's no consistency, nothing as easy as Polar works on Medtronics. I bought several and returned them when they didn't work. After that I started asking to try them in the store. They don't usually like to do that but when I explained why, I've never had a store tell me no. But I still haven't found one to work! I keep a finger pulse oximeter in my gym bag but usually I just count manually. Most of the time, I go by how I feel and don't worry about it. If I can barely talk, am sweating and I feel good, I figure my pm is doing its thing and it's all good. '

Good luck! I hope the Garmin works for you.

HR Monitor

by Grateful Heart - 2013-06-01 02:06:19

I use a Polar brand HR Monitor. It is a wrist unit with the chest strap. Mine works great. They have many models according to your activity. I have had no issues with my device and the HR Monitor.

Don't know much about the Garmin. You can always call the manufacturer of your device and ask them. I have a Boston Scientific device and they are usually very helpful.

Happy exercising,

Grateful Heart

HR Monitors

by TalkinCardio - 2013-06-01 02:06:21

I have never found one that worked. I can't even get my HR on treadmills.
Cathy

HR monitor

by billylittle - 2013-06-01 10:06:46

They won't work on me either.

David

by Bevof NC - 2013-06-01 11:06:20

After my 1st heart attack I did cardiac rehab. The RN's would single people out and walk with them. Their MAIN reason for doing this was to see:...If they could walk and talk so you can understand them-they were doing well..If not they would stop them and check their pulse, B/P and ekg if necessary. Lesson I learned from them??? If you can talk so another can understand while exercising then you are reasonably safe.or we could all sing while exercising!!! Good Luck, Bev of NC

HR Monitor

by Salt - 2013-07-02 11:07:38

I have a Medtronics ICD, and just borrowed a Polar monitor from my daughter, because I was curious as to how my heart rate was responding to exercise (I am paced close to 100%). It is a chest strap, and I think was pretty accurate most of the time, because it generally reads 120 when I'm running, which is the upper range of my pacing. It is a chest-strap type monitor.

I have some other questions for you-all :) about this, but will search around the site first. Thanks!

HR Monitor

by lmthames - 2013-11-16 07:11:15

Hi. My doctor told me to not be alarmed if my heart rate didn't register on my wrist monitor accurately. He said that many were not developed yet to pick up my pacing so the numbers may be way off.

You know you're wired when...

Bad hair days can be blamed on your device shorting out.

Member Quotes

I am 100% pacemaker dependant and have been all my life. I try not to think about how a little metal box keeps me alive - it would drive me crazy. So I lead a very active life.