Will the cardiologist listen if I show them my Fitbit heart rate graphs?

[oldatheart]

I had an overnight ECG a few months ago and the results made the GP refer me to the cardiologist. They only said because of ectopic beats but I now know that they're quite common so I don't know what they want to talk to me about. I was told I'd be having tests like an echocardiogram and maybe a stress test but my letter says it's a 10 minute video call with the cardiologist.

I have palpitations that are being managed with beta blockers but I'm still getting sudden spikes in my heart rate which are captured by my Fitbit. An example from tonight: it went from 109 to 214 for about 2 minutes then back down again to where it was. I screenshot these when they happen and I wanted to show my cardiologist because I don't think one was captured during my ECG. They're always this dramatic on the graph - very sudden and obvious spikes.

Will they actually give me a chance to show them if I bring it up? And how seriously will they take it?

[Yumz199725]

I really hope they do give you a chance to show them fit bit can pick up some interesting things! You said its a video call? Wasn't even aware they did them anymore? Hope it all goes well for you!

[Janouska]

You may be pleasantly surprised. I sent My cardiologist copies of my heart rates during sleep and exercise data and he said it was helpful. Of course they aren’t 100% accurate but can be part of jigsaw. I was lucky my cardiologist appreciated I was trying to help keep myself fit and is open minded enough to listen to my concerns. Then in turn was able to reassure me. So I’d say show them and ask questions. Good luck. Let us know how you get on

[Helloed]

I don’t have a Fitbit but Applewatch. They certainly took notice of its (1 lead) ECG recordings to the point it showing me as having 2nd degree heart block Mobitz type one and later Mobitz type 2. Remember it is only a 1 lead device whereas they use 6 and 12 lead ecg which are real diagnostic tools.

so ok for looking at simple features of the pulse

[Henry20]

I have found that some in the medical profession will listen and some won't. One of the local GPs suggested I bought a Kardia 6L, he used them himself!

I'm saying this to encourage you to show what information you have, not to discourage you. I would hope that you will be asked how you have been feeling since the last meeting. The symptoms you captured on your fitbit don't sound to me like ectopics.

When I had a stress test they needed to know in advance what I could do physically. Stress tests can be done with the patient actually working hard to increase the heart rate, but for some of us there are reasons why it wouldn't work. So my test was drug induced stress.

You will have the opportunity during the video call to talk about your symptoms anyway (all doctors like to know about symptoms) so be prepared with the basic facts written down clearly in front of you. Work out how you could describe what the data graph actually looks like.

If you can show the data to the cardiologist, it would be a good idea to work out exactly what you will do in advance.

Hope all goes well

Henry

[Lowerfield_no_more]

You won't know until you show them the results. However I do suggest you write down any queries you have so that you can raise them during the consultation without trying to remember what you wanted to ask and no doubt forgetting a few along the way.

[HHH2017]

Hi both my GP & cardiologist have been open to looking at my fitbit results. Same as you I have use screenshots to capture sudden spikes. My cardiologist said they showed/matched exactly what he expected. I use to only get them in the day time but now happening occasionally whilst sleeping so thats my next conversation! Had ultrasound last Saturday and hope to discuss results soon 🤞🏽

Make notes ready for your call, it is just like being in the room with cardiologist but without the hassle of travel/parking 😊 Good luck.

[Hidden]

hi they are all individual, some might take note some might not. But you have nothing to lose by taking your results with you and at least asking. Hopefully they will at least take a look. 👍

[beardy_chris]

My cardiologist says "Don't worry about the figures, how do you feel?". He says fitbits are good at indicating something might not be right but he's more interested in the patient's symptoms.

[Samazeuilh2 in reply to beardy_chris]

My experience of Fitbits has been that they are totally unreliable. Recently one showed my heart rate was 80bpm when it was actually 60bpm. It even showed a heart rate when I wasn’t wearing it. An earlier Fitbit showed I had woken 30 times during the night. I’ve returned two and won’t be buying another.

[Grassmower]

ECG will monitor you for how long you have it on. So other kinds of information are useful when you don't have it on. I hope the doctors show an interest and take the results of your home monitoring in planning your treatment.

I am monitoring my blood pressure every hour at home as I can't get a 24 hour monitor from cardiology till 20th December. I hope they take notes of the results when I show it to the GP and cardiac rehab nurse.

[Paula233]

You have the answers to fitbit question so I thought I'd answer your other query query. You will see your consultant and based on that discussion he will mske arrangements for tests such as echo, mri scan etc. Your consultant will explain next steps but if it sounds unclear feel free to get him to explain again. Take questions written down and write answers down if you want - they are used to it. Best of luck

[Winter4519]

yes you can present them graphs. Whether the doctors take this information, is down to them.

[Sarrobs]

I have an Omron HCG 801 and the cardiologist viewed the readings I captured on there, which lead to my diagnosis of SVT, the re-entrant loop type. Those sudden peaks on the graph from my SVT are also now captured on my Fitbit graphs.

I'm sure the cardiologist will view any data you have as it will help them in your diagnosis

[Brht]

They may not rely on the figures/graphs but it might be an indication and of use to them. It certainly won't do any harm.