Arrhythmia and FitBit?

[Maroma]

Was it my FitBit Ultra that cause my arrhythmia? I wanted to achieve 10,000 steps a day as part of a fitness routine, bought a FitBit Ultra, wore it and loved it for a couple of weeks and then developed arrhythmia. After a week decided to try removing it ... and a week later heart back to normal. Has anyone else had this experience or was it coincidence?

[jimmyq]

Wow! 😲

[Maisie2014]

Hi Maroma. FitBits aren’t exactly accurate. They just give you an idea. I wear one every day just to keep reminding me to move and keep a check on my pulse rate when exercising so I don’t overdo it. If you’re worried about i would suggest you ring your GP practice. 10,000 steps! I only did average of 8,500 when I was fit and well 😂

[Lezzers in reply to Maisie2014]

My fitbit often tells my HR is in the low 50's but in reality it's on the 70's. I just use it a a reference point

[Maroma in reply to Maisie2014]

Thanks, Maisie, for answering. It wasn't the fitbit that was giving me the signals ... it was my heart rollicking along, missing loads of beats and me feeling dizzy and faint! My fitbit didn't record any of that!

[Lezzers]

I dunno, was to excited to check!

[sos007]

More than likely coincidence.

However your increased exercise level may have given you a clue about your cardiovascular health.

You should investigate by following up with a doctor to get blood work and a stress test.

[Maroma in reply to sos007]

Thanks for that. I have an appointment for check-up now. However normally am active and walk a lot. The fitbit was just to encourage me just a little bit more ... so I might just try it once more after the check up if all is pretty much OK.

[NorthantsSteve]

Hi Maroma. I suspect this has more to do with you pushing yourself rather than the Fitbit causing anything. All the Fitbit does is shine an LED light on the capillaries which expand and contract with each heart beat. The reflection is then measured and algorithms turn this into a heartbeat output.

[Maroma]

Thanks, NorthantsSteve. You give me confidence to try again after I have had all the investigations now in progress.