Fitbit or something else?

[wiltsgirl]

Hi all, after having a triple bypass in March and now starting to get more active, is it worth getting a fitbit or something similar to monitor BP/HR etc? I certainly don't want to get paranoid about checking these things however would be interesting to know if anyone else found them useful or not? Thanks in advance and have a great weekend one and all xx

[Shoshov]

Hi I had a heart attack in February and found the fit bit allowed me to check my limits safely knowing what heart rate was doing. Good luck

[wiltsgirl in reply to Shoshov]

Thanks Shoshov glad you're doing well x

[Shoshov in reply to wiltsgirl]

You will too. Keep the faith

[Hidden]

Hi had a HA in December and I use a Garmin VR, mainly because its waterproof. Was a useful indicator when at the gym. Now more of a comfort blanket, but still worn constantly. I like the way it links to my iPhone and I can get stats. More functions than I'll ever need tho.

Good luck with your recovery

D

[Zena166]

Hi. I had a heart attack last Year and got a Fitbit a month later. Brilliant I used it to monitor heart rate as well as steps aerobic activity food and water intake as well as calories burned. It helped with my substantial weight loss as I monitored input and output as well as what my heart rate was doing during exercise and rest. However I did become obsessed with checking my rate!! To the point that the rehab team threatened to confiscate it!! That thankfully has settled now! Much to the relief of my partner! Well worth it. Good luck with your recovery and take care. Zena x

[wiltsgirl in reply to Zena166]

Thanks Zena, yes I think I may get obsessed with it if I had one! Good luck to you too xx

[Beffohol]

I love my Fitbit charge 2. It keeps track of my heart rate and when I go out walking it is great for monitoring changes. It has helped to get me up and moving and as a consequence I am losing more weight. Since having my pacemaker fitted it has shown me that the quality of my sleep has improved substantially too. The app is very easy to use.

[Stivkinh]

Hi, I have a Fitbit, an Apple Watch and a polar heart monitor and the polar heart monitor (HR10) is by far the most accurate. The HR10 is worn round the chest and the sensor picks up the electrical signal from the heart whereas the wrist worn devices use light to “watch” the blood flow, much less accurate.

Once you start your cardio rehab or any exercise you may have an upper limit on you heart rate so it’s very important to have an accurate reading. I link the HR10 to my Apple Watch and iPhone then I can safely maintain my heart rate and check the times I’m training for too.

You can go swimming as it’s waterproof and it will save all your data then send it to your phone later.

I paid around £40 on eBay for a new HR10 and got my Apple Watch for £30 through my vitality health policy.

While walking fast last week I felt unwell and could see my heart rate climb even after I stopped. It stayed high (98bpm) for a few mins and eventually I had to call my wife to come get me. Without that device I may have kept going and I’m sure that wouldn’t have been good.

I would say though, the most accurate way is just to find your pulse and check your heart rate with a Watch and your fingers.

I hope this helps, good luck!

Steve.

[wiltsgirl in reply to Stivkinh]

Hi Steve, thanks for this. Sounds like you have settled on something that works for you. I'm not so techno minded so I will have to do a bit of research. Take care x

[Stivkinh in reply to wiltsgirl]

No problem, it definitely works for me. It’s all about what you need for your situation. If it’s something to remind you or keep you motivated go for a wrist type monitor, if you want accuracy, get a chest type monitor. Good luck.

[Lee180]

Hi. I have a Apple Watch and that helps me track my heart rate well. I had my heart attack almost 4 weeks ago and have just started my rehab program and the watch matches the same readings as the items they use at the rehab centre. I need to get my heart to a certain level while I’m doing my own exercise so I would definitely get something that can give you the info on your heart rate.

Good luck

[Jlc1984]

I would personally say it’s down to preference I always remember my cardiac rehab nurse saying don’t worry about increasing your heart rate with gentle excersise your not going to hurt it so I do exactly that gentle walk with the dog is enough, but if you feel you want to do more vigourous excercise then one may help

[Marco2764]

Fitbit are best described as a good motivational tool, great to inspire you and get you moving. Having said that once you do raise your heart rate they struggle to be accurate. How much that matters to you is personal preference. I have had 2 fitbits but much prefer to use a watch that incorporates a chest strap, they give you a true pulse but can also work with gym equipment.

There are loads on the market, Garmin, Polar, Suunto to name a few, which you can pick up on EBay cheaper than a trendy fitbit.

Using the PRE( perceived rate of exertion) scale is very useful, use your watch along with this scale and listen to what your body is saying to you. I am six months along after having my stent fitted and this has worked for me.

[wiltsgirl in reply to Marco2764]

Thanks Marco will certainly take a look. Take care x

[HarryBell]

From what I gather fitbit devices and similar have a problem of reliability when showing heart rate, I prefer the Polar heart rate/fitness monitors that include a chest heart monitor. This is more reliable and I tend to exercise to say a maximum of 100 beats per minute and tie it in with Gymn equipment for all the usual wattage, calories, pi, VO2 etc outputs. From a friend who is a specialist in training regimes for athletes and others with problems it is far better to work at a comfortable rate (so that you can hold a conversation easily whilst exercising) for longer than to push yourself unnecessarily, good luck.

[sandrann]

Hi there wiltsgirl. I received a Huawei Fitbit as a birthday gift..my mobile phone is the same brand.. to be honest I don't really check my heart rate etc..but I'm kinda fascinated by how many steps I achieve each day.ha.

I had double bypass 10months ago and a Cardio Version 4days later.

Every day's different with me regards energy levels and when I do achieve 10,000 or more steps in a day it amazes me.ha. not that it takes much to do that.ha

Keep positive and enjoy whatever you choose to do.

Hugs

[wiltsgirl in reply to sandrann]

Thanks Sandrann, it is quite fascinating what your body tells you through these devices. That's the main thing isn't it, enjoy and life too. Take care x

[Mrvic]

I wear a garmin and check my heart rate while exercising. I try to keep it in the 135-140 range. I found it a lot more accurate than the fit bit for checking HR. I sync it with a garmin chest strap. Had 4 stents 4 months ago. Hope this helps!

[stevejb1810]

I use a TomTom. It has a heart rate monitor (which seems pretty accurate when tested against other devices I have), counts steps, has GPS, so plots your walks, runs and cycle rides, and can be used indoors for workouts, static bikes and so on. Easy to use and a nice big display which I can read without classes. My wife uses a Fitbit and I’ve used a Garmin in the past. All have been good. A lot depends on what you want to use it for and how much you are prepared to pay.

[gal4God]

I’ve used them but randomly. I walk a lot and looking at getting into a sport as I get more energy.

[Themcgeevers]

I use a Garmin heart rate with strap when I do hard exercise but find it uncomfortable to wear for a long time so got a Fitbit Versa ( needed big clock face so could easily see pulse ) I use this for normal day activities. When I have had both on together I found they do match so prob as good as each other but I like the Garmin as I can get it to beep if I go over max set hb target . ( could prob get Fitbit to do same but I’m not techno enough ) do find them reassuring when I get chest pain /ache . Surprising how lifting shopping vacuuming etc pushes the old hr up .

[Donkster]

Hi Wiltsgirl

After reading all your replies you must be confused by now. My preference is FITBIT SURGE 2 no uncomfortable straps around your chest. After wearing the Fitbit for a few weeks you will love it easy as wearing a watch. But I suppose there all pretty much the same really curry’s have a good selection if you want to try some on for comfort. I’ve had a polar heart rate monitor the one with the strap around the chest, it’s not what you want to wear 24/7 there’s a new Fitbit now that’s waterproof for swimming. good luck let us all know what you buy, everyone as usual has been great explaining there choices 👍

[wiltsgirl in reply to Donkster]

Hi Donkster, yes a bit confused, I'm going to wait until the replies have stopped and then collate the thoughts before making a final decision. Thanks

[Donkster]

Hi Wiltsgirl

I have mine set so when I lift my arm I see my heart rate at a glance maybe you need to change the settings to see it that way.