Best Watch for Checking Heart Rhythym

[Robfromwales]

I dont need a Garmin all singing and all dancing watch but want something that gives me accurate ( and presumably recordable data) on heart rhythym. Can anyone advise on suitable makes and rough idea of price? Many thanks

[Doodlegurl]

Hi. I’ve got the Apple Watch as I’ve also got an iPhone. I suffered with AFib and VT rhythms earlier this year and my watch was spot on both informing me of the changes in rhythm, to get medical advice and also my Heart Rate which was checked by my Dr and all the time I was in hospital. The only thing I’d say though, is just be careful you don’t get hung up on the data and keep checking your watch. I did when I came home from hospital and my HR was in the low 40’s which made me anxious and made it worse. I’m ok now and use it mainly for monitoring my HR whilst walking. Not sure how much they are but you can get good ones that have been part exchanged by ppl upgrading. Good luck with whatever you choose.

[Robfromwales in reply to Doodlegurl]

Thanks for taking the trouble to respond. Any particular Apple Watch . On another thread that I have since found/ people were talking about apple 4?

[LaceyLady in reply to Robfromwales]

I’ve an apple 6. You will find you need at least the one down from top model for HR monitoring. I’d a Fitbit before for exercise and was umming and Ahhh ring over getting one, but having got one m really pleased with the features it gives.

Ps I also have a Kardia 1, got that first, brilliant piece of kit.

[Doodlegurl]

It all depends on what you want from it. If it’s HR, rhythm, steps etc then the 4 will do all that. My husband upgraded mine to the 7 at Christmas as I walk a lot on my own in the Peak District so it has a fall sensor and will contact my ICE person but there aren’t a lot more difference between the series. I’ve just come in from a walk and it notified me when my HR went over 120 so I just slowed down for a while. I’ve severe heart failure and am waiting for a CRD T implant so monitor my HR closely at the moment.

[Robfromwales in reply to Doodlegurl]

Thanks indeed

[HumanZoomieMachine]

i use a fitbit versa 3. not quite as expensive as apple watches but its done the monitoring i needed to and it wil do Afib when approved in the UK but echoing the above, don't get too hung up on the nitty gritty data, its a good guide and helps GPS my walk stats. when I had my 24hr holter ECG it had my resting heart rate around 5-6 beats higher than my watch.

[CyclingTime]

I watched the gadget show last night and the Fitbit was way off being accurate in the heart rate tests. The guy averaged 150 BPM and Fitbit showed 127 AVG.I think you definitely get what you pay for on these. Check for independent online reviews

[Youngest]

I have the Samsung Galaxy watch. Its spot on as I have a Kardia too. Much easier to get an ecg from watch when you are out etc. Plus you can email results to your cardiologist!

[Wallydug in reply to Youngest]

Hi I have the kardia, got the first model then the six lead and it has more than repaid the cost, excellent at recording what my heart is doing.

[pasigal]

HR watches are notoriously inaccurate compared with a chest band. If you really want good readings, and are willing to wear a chest band, then almost any Garmin would be my choice.

That said, if you are stationary, they are quite accurate. I have a Withings HR/ECG semi-smartwatch and I compared it to my Garmin cycling head unit with chest band, and the stationary/resting HRs were identical. And actually, over a bike ride, the average HRs were pretty close. However, the Withings jumps around a lot on a walk, because you would need to strap it on really tight, to keep the sensor in one place so it doesn't hit the wrist bone, to the point where it's uncomfortable.

My reasoning in getting the Withings is that it looks like a watch so I'm OK wearing it with business attire. The ECG is of dubious utility but it can at least be reassuring, right? Right?

Withings make a number of models, including a basic fitbit type. The app is decent; not as detailed as, say, Garmin connect.

If I wanted to do what you want, I would get a lower-end Garmin watch. The chest strap is not that expensive if you were on, say, a hike or long walk and really want good data.

I can't speak to Apple as I'm an Android user.

[fixedrider]

I'd agree with @Pasigal. Watches are not usually found to be that accurate compared to chest bands, but the latter are worn mainly for exercise - I too wear mine for cycling. I do use a couple of different Garmin watches, but I don't take their heart readings too seriously.

[Jivenstuff]

Hi, I had double bypass back in early Feb and wanted to monitor heart rate etc during recovery with out spending a fortune! Found smart watch on amazon Veepoo smart watch for about £80 has worked well for me now running dancing etc. I did compare it to some friends devices and readings were comparable

[sampaloc0624]

I am using a garmin watch but for quick glance only then validates it with a portable 2 lead ecg device called wellue. Its data are recordable thru blue tooth and it have AI initial analysis of your ecg, which in pdf form can be sent even thru viber to my cardio

[Robfromwales]

thanks for all these helpful replies

[CardioTT]

I also have a Withings ScanWatch which are currently retailing at around £225 although I recently paid nearer £180. Quite impressed with the watch so far and I haven't picked up any significant problems. The ECG function is supposedly the only one point medical grade ECG option available in a Smart Watch, but that's probably just marketing blurb. It should pick up certain HR abnormalities, but obviously not all. Nice looking, functional smart watch which doesn't draw attention.

[Robfromwales]

Thanks CardioTT - what does 'one point medical grade ECG option available in a Smart Watch' mean do you think?