Hi all, as mentioned in my introduction post yesterday I was diagnosed with Angina earlier this week, obviously I still have further tests to come to determine the root cause and the level of treatment that I’m going to need but I also recognise that I’m going to have to change my ways as far as exercise and diet is concirned as I know I’m overweight, probably don’t get enough exercise, and am 100% eating all the wrong things, so a lot of work to be done.
My question is: what do you all think of electronic health and fitness monitors such as a FitBit, do you think that one would be a useful tool and accurate enough to assist in my endeavour to fight the flab and turn myself into Charles Atlas whilst monitoring my stats at the same time
I guess what Im trying to ask is would one benefit me enough to warrant spending £100+ on one or am I just wasting my money?
Many thanks in advance
Bob
18 Replies
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I think it depends on the person. I love my fitbit hr, the heart rate is accurate unless Im in a fib then it usually goes blank. Im trying to up my walking so the step counting helps me. I dont try and get my heart rate up as Im on a beta blocker. The stats are interesting to follow, even how long you sleep and quality of the sleep. Im interested in how low my heart rate gets in sleep as it can be slow when Im awake.
Hi Bob. I have a Fitbit charge2 and apart from at the beginning when I got overly obsessed with my heart rate (I mentioned before!). I have found it invaluable. Especially in relation to my calories intake vs output as well as exercise sleep HR steps water intake etc. I too needed to lose weight last year so took a very planned and almost scientific approach to it by using the food/calorie monitoring function on it. It works out how much you should be eating in terms of calorific value then you log what you eat and it breaks it down into carbs protein etc. So I was able to closely monitor all things food and hydration related. So on the days that I felt unwell and was not doing much activity I adjusted my intake down accordingly. The result was that I have lost 32kgs and 14 inches from my waist. I was able to maintain focus with having this monitor. In addition I can see all the other stuff like sleep as well which helps me know how my heart is doing at night. I personally think it has helped me to monitor all things health related. However as I said before early on I did rely on it and became obsessed with my heart rate! That has settled now much to the relief of everyone especially my partner!! It of course doesn’t replace willpower or determination but for me it gave me insights and a set of tools that helped me in my fight against flab. As to Charles Atlas perhaps think more Jason Statham! Zena
Hi BobJohn, I had an ICD fitted in October 2016 because of Arrhythmia and excessive exercise can set this off, and was advised obviously not to over exercise and my hill walking was stopped but I still run 3 walking groups and lead them on 75% of the routes. I should explain that I live in Southern Spain and nowhere is flat!
I bought a Fitbit Charge 2 to keep my eye on my heart rate and whilst I find it quite accurate it never seems to work at the crucial point. For instance if I have just walking up an incline causing me some effort, I check the FitBit and there is no reading.
I don't use all the other functions, I know how well or badly I have slept.
I wouldn't say that it was money wasted, but it's not as good as it's cracked up to be!
I have a TomTom watch which is great. They can tend to make you a little obsessive but they are great for monitoring your progress. What they don’t do is get you off the couch - that is still down to you. Get one the tracks heart rate and distance (steps)as a minimum. There are many out on the market but Fitbit, garmin and TomTom are the current market leaders.good luck with the lifestyle change, you’ll feel a better man for it 😉
I have a fitbit charge 2, its faults have been pointed out in previous posts and I would echo those. If you are looking for super accuracy on distance or steps it isn't. It is easy to fool the thing into thinking you are walking/exercising but you are only cheating yourself, and the distance covered is about 90% accurate, good enough for most.
I use a chest monitor for accuracy when in the gym, doesn't fade out as the fitbit does and at a reasonable high intensity measures my heart rate at 10 bps over what the fitbit is recording. this is down to the optical reader and moisture between it and my wrist.
As with most of these gadgets the more you pay the better (usually) the results.
There was a long post from about a year ago on differing kinds, will have a search and post the link if I can find it
I, too, have a Fitbit Charge HR and like it. The step count can be misleading as I know it adds steps when I am standing still and ironing! It is a comprehensive thing and the various stats that you can follow are excellent but I did get hooked at first and kept on checking. I would have a look at the range of monitors around. I’m told the Jawbone is good and my first one was an Arc - ok but not as good as the Fitbit. Anything that helps us keep on top of our problems is good news as far as I am concerned. Just this morning there is a good BMI calculator on the BBC News site - another string to the bow as they say!
I really like my Fitbit. I've been using it for a year and I am definitely more active than I was before having it. I find the way it presents all the stats really easy to use and you can see your progress (or otherwise) very clearly, which definitely helps me with motivation. I like the social element too. I quite often do weekend challenges with (or should I say AGAINST?!) my niece and my dad, which is fun.
We have a Fitbit group for all us folks around here with heart problems, not sure if you know about that already? fitbit.com/group/22SDB9 You can join the group there and then click on group members' profiles to add them to your friends so you can see them via the app too. It's always nice to be cheered on by the people who appreciate how hard we work to get those steps!
As others have said, there are other devices that are probably more accurate if you want something to use for really dedicated fitness training, but the Fitbit is a good all-rounder. I would be thinking about whether you are the type of person who would be motivated by what the Fitbit offers as that is where the real benefits lie.
Good luck and let me know if you do get one and are having any problems joining the group
Hi Laura, many thanks for taking time out to respond to my question, I went for the FitBit charge2 in the end as it seems to cover all of my needs and it didn’t cost silly money, I’m using it mainly for dietary and exercise guidance.
On the motivation front, time will tell as I can be rather lazy at times and need that kick up the bum occasionally so that’s going to be another challenge on top of all of the overs, I’ll be taking a look at your group once things have settled down a bit as things have been a bit busy these past couple of weeks.
On recommendation from someone in my AF group I bought a Mi Band 2 for £22. With related apps it does a lot of things a Fitbit does and it works when in AF. It is not super accurate but sounds as though the Fitbit isn’t either. Worth trying to see whether you find it helpful before spending out on the ‘real thing’. I believe more advanced models are available too.
Hi Buffaflu, many thanks for taking time out to respond to my question, I went for the FitBit charge2 in the end as it seems to cover most of my needs and it didn’t cost silly money, I’m using it mainly for dietary and exercise guidance and as an aid to spur me on as I can be rather lazy if I can get away with it.
I think they are good for immediate feedback and maybe some comfort to visualise you are doing something to benefit your condition. However the biggest change I have made is to "watch" my diet. I have dropped a ton of carbs from my dietary habits and fitbit can't help with that. I always try to walk more between bus stops or into town. Fb doesn't help with that decision. Its a habit former which is good. Good luck with the new journey
Hi phb, many thanks for taking time out to respond to my question, I went for the FitBit charge2 in the end as it seems to cover all of my needs and it didn’t cost silly money, I’m using it mainly for dietary and exercise guidance, and like you I’ve also made some major changes to my diet and cut out all of the sweet and bad stuff from my diet, that of course is ongoing, my next tasks are my exercise regime and diet, I’ll be making a start on those soon
Once again many thanks and good luck with all of your endeavours.
Hi, I also bought the Mi band 2 (by Xiaomi) for £22 on Amazon last week. . It's fine for me - using it to measure my heart rate & steps walked - seems accurate so far.
Hi Clare, many thanks for taking time out to respond to my question, I went for the FitBit charge2 in the end as it seems to cover all of my needs and it didn’t cost silly money, I’m using it mainly for dietary and exercise guidance.
Being given a diagnosis of a heart condition can be scary,but as you are finding out is also a wake up call for a lot of people! It is fantastic that you have decided to make some changes to your lifestyle to make it healthier and the others have been really helpful with their contributions to gadgets you can buy.
However....with my nurse head on,it is really important to be safe and to make the changes gradually rather than going hell for leather on one aspect only. For example,if you are not used to exercising ,start with short distances at a slow- moderate pace and gradually increase,but only if you are able. You should always warm up and warm down too, as this encourages the arteries to dilate gradually so the blood and oxygen can get to your heart and muscles- which is so important. If you experience angina symptoms you need to stop, sit down and use GTN spray as prescribed. You may have been prescribed some other medication too,which can sometimes take a while to acclimatise to, so I wouldn't want you to go for long distances in case you feel unwell and can't get home!
As for the diet and weight management side of things, again, make gradual changes as they will be more effective long term. Perhaps reduce your portion sizes or cut down on the biscuits/unhealthy snacks as they are the main culprits we can change without too much drama. Even those small goals will give you a sense of achievement which will be so encouraging on both counts.
Please ring our heart helpline to speak to one of our nurses if you would like further information about angina and the tests you may have carried out. The number is 0300-330-3311 . There is someone to talk to Monday-Friday from 9-5
You might also like to visit our website bhf.org.uk
Hi Philippa, many thanks for your response and advice, I’ve already made changes to what was a very bad diet, I’ve cut out the sweets, biscuits, sticky buns, and cut down on the portion sizes of my meals, as for exercise my one saving grace in all of this is that I’m out with the dog everyday but will be increasing that over time, I’m even considering going back to swimming, my next task is to change my daily diet to a more healthy one, I currently don’t have any pain unless I go for a walk, it starts after about a hundred metres or so, I still have a long way to go on all things but this will be gradual, your right this was certainly a wake up call for me, once again for your support and help
I have had the Fitbit Alta hr for just over a year, originally to monitor sleep and count steps along with my wife. So after successfully monitoring my sleep for 10 months it suddenly started reporting it couldn’t get a reading due to inconsistent heart rate, this led me to discover I had gone in to arrhythmia and am now on Apixaban. I am pretty sure that would have gone undiagnosed for sometime so at this point I am pretty pleased I got one.
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