Fitness/Heart-Rate wrist bands/watches suitable for over 60s?? Any recommendations?

[NoeB76]

Hello again. I've been searching online for a suitable watch/wristband for monitoring heart-rate, pedometer, BP, etc., that's waterproof (for swimming), has a large enough screen for me to read, and not too complicated - I don't want to make calls or send messages, don't want to pay a monthly subscription fee.

There are SO many online, at various prices. I've checked with BHF online, and other 'heart health' websites, and it's not really helped.

I'm looking for something that's under £100. Easy to use and just does 'the basics'.

So does anyone (with paroximal AF) have one of these 'gadgets' that they would suggest would be suitable, please?

I've been told if I monitor my heart rate, then there's less likelihood of me being in AFib.

Or, if there are NO symptoms, can I still be in AF?

Many thanks to anyone who can advise me.

[BobD Volunteer]

Firstly no amount of monitoring will stop AF. You have AF you will get AF. Whether or not you notice it is also variable as many people are asymptomatic and quite unaware of having it. Heart rate is not a measure of AF whioch can be at any rate not specifically fast.

My own experience with monitors is they are great when trying to get a diagnosis but can and often do cause greater anxiety for many people who focus on the device rather than getting on with life.

[Rainfern]

You need a piece of equipment your EP cardiologist would trust. Else what’s the point? My first piece of equipment was a Microlife Home A for BP at around £90. I’ve got an iwatch now that does everything and is great for monitoring AFib, but I wouldn’t trust it for BP. Having a daily record of BP made a big difference to the medication I was offered and GP and cardio approve my readings. The Microlife also reads for AF by taking 3 BP readings one after another. Also considered reliable by my team. However, while it’s fine for persistent AF if you’ve got paroxysmal or are having any procedures then I can see you may want a wrist band for a more constant (or obsessive!) HR reading. I got the iwatch because my EP recommended it at a public talk he gave and I’m probably quite impressionable! It cost a lot and needs charging frequently and you have to have an iPhone to go with it. But I do love it! You don’t have to use all the gizmos. I ignore most of it and turned off functions like the one that rudely tells me it’s time to stand when I’m enjoying tea in bed! Mine was a reconditioned watch from Apple - it wasn’t under £100 but I decided I was worth it.

[mjames1]

Polar makes a nice line of watches and one of their basic models should fit the bill in terms of heart rate while working out while swimming. I've been using one of their models or another for about 40 years until recently, when I started using the Apple Watch. Working out within your target HR Zones is a great way to stay fit and make sure you're not either over or undoing it.

As for monitoring afib, that is something different. For that I use my Apple Watch, which I now also use to work out as well. Also waterproof. There is another device to monitor afib called the Kardia, which I also have. You only use it to check if you're in afib, so not suitable for working out.

One cost effective solution, might be to get a basic waterproof heart watch that does only HR when working out, which could be Polar or another brand, there are so many. And then get a Kardia for checking for afib.

And yes, you can be in afib, with no symptons, but why do you ask? Pesonally, I would not go "fishing" for afib, unless you've had some sort of diagnosis or some other reason you have not shared.

Jim

[bella675]

I wear a Samsung smartwatch. It gives an accurate HR/ ECG trace that shows AF/Sinus rhythm and blood pressure (this function needs regular calibration). It also has various other functions you might find useful. Not cheap, but very useful.

[Vicmeister]

I wear an apple smart watch. Like Rainfern said, they are very expensive but worth it. It tells you lots about your heart. Maybe more than you need or want to know. When it comes to AF, I know when I am in AF. Don't really need my watch to tell me. When doing activities I think it's great to see how your heart is behaving. There are many devices that are much cheaper than the Apple Watch. And many stores sell refurbished watches and much cheaper prices.

[NoeB76]

Thanks folks for all the info and advice. I was diagnosed with AFib a year ago, after being told for 4 years it was 'panic attacks'; it was the Paramedics doing an ECG at home that alerted me to this; and after 48 hours in A&E it was confirmed, and appropriate medication provided to deal with it. However, now trying to improve health by going to local gym & swimming (low impact exercise - mainly for legs, arms, core muscles; starting at 5 mins a time, slow build up over the next few months). So, I've been told to keep a check on my heart rate while exercising/swimming, and to monitor it, not to let it rise too fast or go too high; which I can do with a watch and feeling for my pulse, but not while swimming. Hence the need to find something simple. My BP machine tells me if I'm IN AFib, so I don't exercise/swim then; and I just keep an eye on my BP, and know that's not related to AF. It's more a case of 'slow and steady' to improve things. Find it's odd that I can have a low heart beat, but be in AF; but I can usually tell when it's coming on from 'butterflies' in my stomach, palpitations below my throat, nausea and generally 'feeling rough', and othertimes nothing at all; it's weird. If it was continual each day, I could exercise/swim, but as it fluctuates, been advised No. Hey Ho! We live and learn. Again thanks for all the replies, appreciated.

[NoeB76]

P.S. I don't know how to 'reply to the replies' - hence I'm ''replying to myself' !!!