Smart watch for HR and health info. - British Heart Fou...

British Heart Foundation

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Smart watch for HR and health info.

Entabeni profile image
19 Replies

I’m looking to buy a smart watch that also monitors heart rate, oxy level, steps etc. Needs to be compatible with iPhone IOS. Been looking on-line but it’s a minefield out there in cyberspace, so hoping someone might offer a balanced opinion. I don’t think my Fitbit is very accurate and I’ve heard there are watches that even have ECG function. Thanks in anticipation.

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Entabeni
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19 Replies
sturon profile image
sturon

Hi. I have an iWatch from Apple. I would highly recommend it it has all the feature you are looking for and a basic ECG function too. I have used mine now for 8 months and as a result of the exercise mode have lost 3 and a half stones (22kg). It may be expensive but you are worth it.

Entabeni profile image
Entabeni in reply to sturon

Thank you for your recommendation. I’ll look into one later. Thanks again.

Entabeni profile image
Entabeni

Hi, and thanks for the info. I’ll check it out as it sounds like it’s just the job. Cheers.

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer

I found the Fitbit was in innaccurate but my main objection was the build quality as they all fell apart within 12 months.

I have had 3 versions of iWatch for the past 8 years now and all have been excellent - latest one is iWatch6 which also takes ECG by holding the crown. The trace is not as accurate as the Kardia and will only identify AF, but it’s quite useful. The O2 sats & Heart Rate are not accurate at nighttime as the strap tends to move as you do in bed so is susceptible to showing spikes and dips - which you should ignore.

You might look at reserviced models through Apple Shop which are sometimes very good value.

I wouldn’t recommend buying 2nd Hand anywhere else though!

Dave678 profile image
Dave678

Hi - I’ve been using an Apple Watch Series 4 for a couple of yrs which does what you say with the exception of the Oxygen level. Just upgraded to Series 7 which has all the above + the Oxygen level. I buy from the Apple Refurb store as they are cheaper but still backed up by the Apple warranty etc and are as new! Used to use a Fitbit Versa 3 and also a Garmin Instinct but they weren’t particularly accurate with the heart rate reading (especially the Garmin!) and they don’t have the ECG or Oxygen reading.

Entabeni profile image
Entabeni in reply to Dave678

Thanks for all the info; very much appreciated. 👍

Hi, I brought an Apple Watch series 7 a few months ago. Primarily for the ECG function. Since my purchase I have managed to capture an episode of heart block which my cardiologist was very impressed with as it was clear to see. Well worth the money although yes it is expensive.

Try the Withings range of watches. Look good and have a good reviews.

Withings.com

beardy_chris profile image
beardy_chris in reply to

I loved my Withings ScanWatch and it did everything I wanted (and more) but I hit problems connecting it with a new phone. Withings support have been great and have even swapped the watch for a new one but I'm still having problems. Two watches and three different Android devices.

They are great when they work - but less so when they don't! :)

in reply to beardy_chris

Such a shame you're having those issues. From my limited experience thus far they are proving a great find.

Faub profile image
Faub

If you have a lower budget, you can look into the vivo smart by Garmin. It's very basic but better quality that the fit it, measures your HR and OX levels, but no ECG I am afraid

Henry20 profile image
Henry20

In my experience the medical profession disregard anything based on watch data. I would check with gp if this is important for youHenry

Entabeni profile image
Entabeni in reply to Henry20

Thanks Henry. The more I look into this the more I’m inclined to think twice about buying one.

Jako999 profile image
Jako999

I’ve got Apple Watch 7 and it’s great but if you are thinking of buying the Apple Watch 8 is coming out at some point so either wait for that or wait for the good deals on the 7 as the price will drop as they release the new one. Don’t be tempted by the SE it’s a great watch and much cheaper but no ecg and let’s face it that’s one of the bits we all want.Happy shopping

Entabeni profile image
Entabeni in reply to Jako999

Thanks, I certainly will 👍

Crochetwoman profile image
Crochetwoman

Hi, bit late to the show but thought I’d say that my Fitbit has been fairly reliable on heart rate, steps etc. For exercise you have to put in your own heart rate low and high range so it gets your fat burn, cardio,peak in the right range for you- being a heartie. It pairs fine with my iPhone.Currently I have. Fitbit versa 2. I’m on my third replacement so don’t recommend that specific one.

I’m after the Fitbit Sense from Santa 🎅🏽 , that does your ecg too. Less expensive than Apple Watch. “Im worth it” but most of my step competition pals are on Fitbit.

Lesleyray profile image
Lesleyray

Hi, I have a withings scan watch and it’s brilliant, specially designed for those with AF worth looking in to

raymiles profile image
raymiles

I bought a cheap Chinese watch on Amazon, but it was rubbish and wouldn’t sync properly with my iPhone.

So I sent it back and took the plunge and bought the Apple Watch seven. No regrets whatsoever, despite the cost.

There are several useful third-party apps I use as well including one that measures sleep more accurately than the built-in function.

My GP said “unofficially” that it’s quite impressive.

I just bought Withings ScanWatch Horizon after reading these posts and am very impressed. Connects well with my Samsung Galaxy A52s Android phone. Good offer from First Class Watches, £50 cheaper than Withings website and 10% discount for new customers, see firstclasswatches.co.uk/

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