skin vs optic HR sensors

Dear Pacemaker Club:

FWIW, I strongly recommend the Mio Alpha (or Link) for HR monitoring while exercising. They are pricey, but, considering what you paid for your pacemaker or ICD, it is worth it.

On the treadmill, I tired of constantly holding the treadmill's HR bar to get a reading. Other types of sensors (wrist, torso) that measure electricity through the skin are not reliable. And they are not continuous readout.

The Mios are wrist devices that use light to read blood volume beneath the skin instead of electricity. The read out is continuous detection and is virtually 100% reliable when putting on and firing up.

Not a lot of features, just time, HR & zone. 2 buttons not 5 or so. No need to carry instructions with you in case you squeeze one too many buttons and can’t get out of mode you don’t want in the first place!

Need to stay within a particular zone when exercising so you don’t get defibbed? (Happened to me cycling.) ALWAYS KNOW YOUR ZONE AND AT WHAT SINUS HR YOUR DEVICE PS PROGRAMED TO START MONITORING TO POTENTIALLY CARDIOVERT AND DEFIB!

As best I can tell, it's best to wear the Alpha on the wrist opposite your implanted device, to avoid interference.

Google them and check them out at www.mioglobal.com.

2 Comments

Heart rate monitor

by golden_snitch - 2014-10-30 03:10:19

Sounds almost like you are a sales rep.

I have been using different Polar heart rate monitors with a chest strap since the year 2000, never had any issues with inaccurate heart rates being shown. Had all watches checked with holter monitor or treadmill test, and they were always accurate. Have so far heard nothing good about the optic sensors.

Oh, and keep in mind that not everyone here has actually paid for their pacemaker or defibrillator, not even a co-pay.

Inga

Mio Alpha

by WillieG - 2014-10-30 11:10:55

Thanks for this info! I will look into it. I have exercise induced heart block and got a Polar FT 7, which I use for biking. My heart doesn't block until over 160 bpm, it seems. The chest strap does get a bit uncomfortable at times. Twice I've noticed that the max was 220 or so when I never saw it go that high so assume it might be an error. I might call the company and ask about having it with a pacemaker and if it needs to go on the right side as I'm used to a watch on my left. New gadgets are after fun to learn more and see if they are superior!

You know you're wired when...

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I have an ICD which is both a pacer/defib. I have no problems with mine and it has saved my life.