tech watch or not

[Linesteps]

after listening to Dr Johns book I’m undecided about Fitbit watches to alert AFib episodes , I am aware that at times you can have episodes without symptoms ! I have a Kardia monitor and monitor HR and B p twice a day and if I am in Af , I’m concerned that my anxiety and obsession with my HE will increase with more monitoring , anyone have experience of this ?

[BobD Volunteer]

Yes absolutely. People like us should avoid these devices IMHO. One spends far too much time worrying about ones heart and not enough getting on with life. It won't kill you after all.

[Linesteps in reply to BobD]

thanks my feelings as well

[john-boy-92]

If it's not causing a problem, there isn't really a need to know. The only time I watch my heart rate is when I'm on the rowing machine, as my heart can suddenly engage warp speed, not that I'd know without the heart rate monitor.

[Linesteps in reply to john-boy-92]

yes I tend to agree , I think it’s very anxiety inducing concentrating on your heart all the time thanks

[Buffafly]

I use my Kardia to record the episodes I notice, though I know (from my week monitor) that I have frequent episodes that I don’t notice. As long as I feel well I don’t monitor and I don’t check my BP regularly either. I do have an inexpensive Chinese smart watch which records my HR at regular short intervals which I find quite interesting as it gives a daily breakdown of the rates, showing resting heart rate time and various levels of exercise based on my HR, which is amusing because my rate is naturally erratic so I can do ‘anaerobic exercise’ sitting on the sofa. I probably don’t recommend for you though……

[Linesteps in reply to Buffafly]

thanks ,

[DevonHubby1]

The FitBit AFIB monitoring, at least on my Charge 4, is for people who don't know they have AFIB, and want it to analyse there heartcrste during sleep to detect patterns that might suggest you have it. It expressly says when you opt jnto the service it is not for people who have already been diagnosed with AFIB.

[Linesteps in reply to DevonHubby1]

interesting thanks

[Cholla3 in reply to DevonHubby1]

Greetings!! My Apple Watch also says it does not report all aFib episodes and tends to record only during restful periods. I don't see how it can be used to monitor progression or lack thereof.

[KMRobbo]

All I can tell you is that my wifes fit bit told me that my heart rate was 74 or so when my garmin heart monitor with chest strap was over 160bpm. The hospital visit and ECG proved the Garmin to be correct. This was over 5 years ago so maybe they are better now.

[Linesteps in reply to KMRobbo]

thanks considering all reply’s I think I will disregard the tech watch monitor when I feel the need with my Kardia thanks

[Ppiman]

I’m sure an “obsession” is entirely possible, but my Apple Watch has been nothing but helpful to me and it has never offered me anything other than reassurance.

You know your own nature better than anyone who wants to guess on your behalf.

I don’t see it as a weakness to want to know things about ourselves; it’s just a difference between us. For some, ignorance is bliss; for others, knowledge is, if not power, then reassurance.

Steve

[Peacefulneedshelp in reply to Ppiman]

I would like to piggy back on Ppiman. I originally got a Fitbit and then an Apple Watch only because of having lifelong arrhythmias and was told that moderate exercise was needed to keep the heart strong. I became curious as to what was right for me. If heart rate gets too high and then was gifted an Apple Watch from my son. It has proved to only confirm my AFib episodes. But it is nice to know resting heart rate at a glance, working heart rate, biking heart rate when to back off etc. I was on my rebounder yesterday and bounding away when it gave me an alert that the HR was way too high, so I backed down a bit to keep within my target rate. So many useful readings, IMO. I especially like the fall detection, because I have went over backwards a couple of time off the exercise ball when fooling around with 3 year old grandson. We tend to get clutsy as we age.

[Dodie117 in reply to Peacefulneedshelp]

I agree. I think it depends on the person. I have Kardia and Fitbit. The Fitbit was bought as I have moved to Ireland, had an upcoming cardiology appointment (rare as hens teeth) and wanted to know if I was having episodes of af I was unaware if. Also be equipped with information as it was was my first meeting with this new cardiologist.

I like having knowledge and information but am not obsessive. I find the other info interesting / heart rates, sleep etc.

So I would say if you are likely to become obsessive, then no. Otherwise yes.

[MaryCa in reply to Dodie117]

Jonathan Lyne in the beacon is Dublin is an excellent EP. Had my ablation with him in Dec. No AFib since. Follow up with him on Tuesday. He takes public and private referrals. faster private with health insurance.

[Dodie117 in reply to MaryCa]

thanks. As an ex UK resident and over 70, insurance in Ireland would not cover my existing issues and would now be prohibitively expensive. I am a medical card patient so fear treatment may be slow/second class. We shall see.

[MaryCa in reply to Dodie117]

He sees public patients as well. He saw my friends daughter, who is in her twenties, she has no medical card or insurance. I had to fight to see cardiologist in limerick, as AFib is managed by the medical team. So I went through patient services, made an official complaint about not seeing cardiology, saw cardiologist about three months into argument with uhl, Dr arnous did the referral to Jonathan Lyne and he did offer public referral as well as private. So please use patient advocacy services to get your referral. You may be lucky and have an ep in your area. There is no ep in uhl. I also complained to my local TD who got involved in the dispute. My friends mam was diagnosed with afib in uhl six years ago. Has never been referred to an EP. Because her AFib is symptomatic and obviously badly controlled she's now in heart failure. That's why I fought. I don't want to be in that situation in six years. Best of luck

[Dodie117 in reply to MaryCa]

I’ve sent a private message as it’s reall useful for me to have an Irish contact who knows the system. Thanks 🙏

[Ppiman in reply to Peacefulneedshelp]

Your mention of your grandson chimed with my experience. Mind, where would we be without such a one! ❤️

Steve

[Linesteps in reply to Ppiman]

half my problem is I am a retired cardiac surgery nurse !!!! We are the worst for obsessions 😂

[Ppiman in reply to Linesteps]

I can imagine. The “good” thing (!) about “lone” AF for many people is that it seems to be not otherwise problematic. The problem is when (as with me…) the AF itself is unusual, but the many palpitations, ectopics and other “stuff “ occur near daily. Having said that, after nine months free of AF, I was beginning to think it had gone away forever but then last Friday, out of the blue on a relaxing holiday, it came knocking at the door once more, although with few suctions and a only mild racing.

My daughter in law is also a nurse and she suffers similarly and, my goodness, she likes giving us too many gory details!! 😉

Steve

[2learn]

I’m concerned that my anxiety and obsession with my HE will increase with more monitoring ,

seems pretty standard result for all techy monitors. Is that what you want? Ask yourself how will more monitoring help or change your condition.

[Petaca]

I use a Fitbit Charge 5 and it is very reassuring to have a window into my heart’s activity.

Thank you to Ozziebob for posting the following article about using blood thinners as PIPs.

healthunlocked.com/redirect...

I use both Metropolol and Apixiban as PIPs with the knowledge and support of my EP. My body cannot tolerate continual use of either. By using my Fitbit I can get notifications of AF and tachycardia episodes if they go unnoticed. It allows me to take the drugs as needed and is working out splendidly….

I feel such gratitude to have this amazing tool that allows me to use the drugs I have without suffering the side effects of ongoing use. Some things in our technology minded world are so beneficial. Why not use them?

I did at first take multiple ecgs daily and check my heart rate all the time. But I was fun for me. My first ablation was in 2013. I was left always wondering what my heart was doing. My second ablation was 8 weeks ago. How lovely it has been to know what is happening with my heart. I have watched the settling process after this 2nd ablation with fascination.

Now I only check occasionally; upon waking, during exercise and it things feel off.

[Cholla3 in reply to Petaca]

WOW!! Only taking med as needed!! Anyone else do that? Definitely going to ask my cardiologist about!!!

[Runcrans]

I've also been looking into a watch but remember my cardiologist saying not to obsess over checking my pulse etc which just made me very anxious , so thinking a watch may not be the best idea for me anyway x

[a241529]

I have a question for you knowledgeable people. I’m new to the Afib world as I was diagnosed in November. Please correct me if I’m wrong. I heard rhythm won’t kill me but the rate could? I can’t distinguish the feeling between Afib and fast heart rate. I think I read here that Afib causes inaccurate readings so I’m not feeling well, I manually check my pulse to rule out fast HR. If it’s not HR, I try to continue my activities and if it is HR then I rest until it comes down. I don’t see where a device would be helpful for me. Am I correct in my assumptions? I don’t mean to highjack this thread.

[Peacefulneedshelp in reply to a241529]

You wouldn’t have to manually take your pulse it shows up immediately when wearing a device.

[Lakky12]

my Fitbit is hidden away in a drawer. It was ruling my life - I was constantly checking my heart rate and always anxious before checking it wondering what it would be. My cardiologist is not a fan - she says they are not medical grade, and can’t distinguish the difference in electrical impulses. My mental health has improved greatly now that I no longer wear it.

[Jetcat]

Iv had a Fitbit for last couple of years and I noticed I became rather obsessed with it, I was monitoring my heart rate, sleep patterns, how many steps a day I was doing etc. so when I noticed it needed charging more regularly I was secretly looking forward to throwing it away once it expired.👍

But my wife knew this and got me the latest apple I watch for Christmas.!!! This thing does the same and lots more but needs charging every day depending on what functions you’ve got running that is.? I have turned everything off it apart the clock face so now I have just have a watch. These devices slowly get you monitoring all sorts and I don’t think it’s a good idea because it all adds to extra anxiety.?

[Dodie117 in reply to Jetcat]

I think we should be careful as lots of people see these tech things as useful info and do not become obsessed or anxious. So for those who don’t and like the info and the fun bits, then yes. For those who have a tendency to anxiety or obsession, decimate no.

[Jetcat in reply to Dodie117]

I agree 👍

[Zora1]

I do think it depends on how anxious it makes you. I have a Fitbit and a Kardia. I only use the Kardia if I think I’m in Afib. I’ve had the Fitbit about 6 months and have found it to be very helpful. I am largely asymptomatic and had delayed getting an ablation (although I had been offered one) because I believed my episodes were rare. Over the last 6 months I have discovered that my episodes are coming much more frequently (I always ckeck with the Kardia to confirm and if anything the Fitbit shows episodes ending when the Kardia still shows Afib). Rather than causing anxiety, these results have informed my decision to have the ablation. Scheduled for next week. Wish me luck.

[Linesteps in reply to Zora1]

best wishes x

[erudit9]

I agree with those arguing that a smart watch with HR monitor provides useful information. I also understand that it can add to anxiety. Mine (Garmin Vivoactive) does not have an afib detector. The HR monitors on watches are notoriously inaccurate over short periods and when I'm cycling or exercising I wear a chest strap which is more sensitive. They can, however, reveal longer term tendencies. Most of these watches come with apps for your phone which automatically upload information from the watch. For those who are anxious about seeing the information constantly, I would suggest disabling the HR display on the watch (or place it on a secondary screen) and keeping a record on the app. This would allow you to check on a daily or even weekly basis to look for anomalies during sleep or to confirm a feeling things were not right.

In my case, information from my watch recorded by the app was useful during an appointment with the cardiologist as it showed clearly an AF episode which lasted for several hours a few days before the appointment.

[Gumbie_Cat]

I’m kind of in the middle on this - and still wearing my Apple Watch. It told me that I was in A fib, just one year ago - and for that I’m really thankful!

I like filling in the rings to make sure that I’m moving a bit each hour, and getting 30 minutes exercise. On the other hand I do get concerned about my heart rate, especially being in persistent A Fib right now. It gives me a weekly report on A Fib burden - bit of a downer tbh at 100%. Also showing decreasing ‘cardio fitness - and as that’s just an algorithm based on HR and walking speed I should likely ignore it.

I tried not wearing it for a few days following my ablation, but personally felt worse having no idea of HR without pulse checking. I’ve been told things like ‘as long as HR is under 100 when not exercising’, but also ‘don’t keep checking’. Can’t do both! I was checking BP once a week, getting a bit concerned at it being low - but also it seems I shouldn’t be checking that. I didn’t think once a week was too much really.

So I am torn between deciding that these gadgets could be making me more anxious, and needing some reassurance in these post-ablation weeks.