Fitbit

[Glenys147]

Looking to buy a Fitbit, but do people use them and are they reliable. I don't want anything too technical and I won't be using it for exercise monitoring so thought a basic model would be good for my needs. Just want to monitor heart rate and oxygen levels. Had double valve replacement 5 years ago, MS and Copd diagnosed, and am currently 78. Any advice would be helpful.

[Stentsandrun]

Bless you Glenys. I am not surprised you are not going to use it for measuring your Parkrun performance! Ask yourself the question what are you going to do if it detects you have "abnormal" HR and Oxygen levels? They might not be accurate anyway (not really supposed to use them for medical purposes), plus what is "normal" for you? very often these devices cause more problems (anxiety) than they are of benefit. You have had heart disease for 60 years and got this far, go and spend the money on a nice treat and forget the idea, would be my advice!

[Glenys147 in reply to Stentsandrun]

Just about what I thought. Thank you and seasons greetings.

[FestivalVibes in reply to Glenys147]

Stentsandrun is right, buy yourself a nice treat instead 😘

I have an Apple Watch, (which I had before my heart issues resurfaced this year), but have taken to not wearing it all the time as I became a bit obsessed with checking my heart rate and other stats. I now only use it when out and about … for telling the time!

Take care of you and all the best for 2025 x

[Glenys147 in reply to FestivalVibes]

Thank you

[Slekid71 in reply to Stentsandrun]

I recently bought one they are not aqurite can only be used as a rough guide I was at the doctors last week she was wearing one and agreed with me..it's up to you but I don't think I will get another one..

[Glenys147 in reply to Slekid71]

Thaank you

[Tamarillo1]

I've used an Inspire 2 Fitbit for years and find it really useful. It shows me that all my stats are steady and it's a nudge to do a bit more exercise on occasion. Only had one technical problem in the last few years and the support desk were great.

[Glenys147 in reply to Tamarillo1]

Thank you

[DWizza]

I use a garmin vivoactive 4 , just about to upgrade to 5. I note the comments about these leisure wear devices not being accurate . They are not up to medical standards in many cases but they are consistent and will give you a decent idea if your stats are changing for the better or worse . I also note the comment “"abnormal" HR and Oxygen levels?” I presume if you had a run of abnormal readings you’d take some action , contacting BHF nurses for advice , calling 111 or your doctor etc.

Some people find the information stressful and can’t cope either it . I take a lot of responsibility for my basic stats , blood pressure , resting heart rate , blood sugar levels , weight , sleep and recovery are all in my gift to monitor and help keep me on track. A Fitbit is a small investment, there are plenty of variations , I would suggest a bit of research to find the most suitable device for your needs . a blood pressure monitor would be a good investment if you haven’t already got one 👍🏻

[Glenys147 in reply to DWizza]

Thank you

[BlueDouble007]

The Apple watch I use diagnosed AF a few years ago. I wasn't aware I was suffering from it, after I got a pain in my chest. I still use the Apple watch now. Health tech can cause anxiety if used too much, and does require self control not to check health stats all the time. The useful Health tech I use as follows: -

Withings blood pressure monitor. Uses bluetooth and wireless to record BP readings automatically.

KardiaCare 6L to measure ECG automatically.

If it helps use it, otherwise don't bother.

[Glenys147 in reply to BlueDouble007]

Thank you

[SuziElley]

I have a Fitbit Inspire 2 it doesn’t detect irregular heartbeat, as it says it should….. I know when I feel ectopics and check my pulse to make sure. The Fitbit doesn’t detect them 😢 it’s good for keeping an eye on my steps for the day and as a reminder to move. I can also log my fluid intake each day and keep a check on that. Sleep is monitored. But maybe just enjoy a good day out or overnight somewhere instead

[T666]

hi. It is very much a personal choice. These devices are quite accurate and improving all the time plus it is consistent apples with apples comparison

I favour the apple and it triggered me to seek help from the doctors… a help that undoubtedly saved me from potential heart issues or even death

The consultant used the readings synced to my phone and said the information was incredibly helpful

All of that said one doctor said would it help if we took your watch off you … at the end of the day it’s a gadget, many are available but also it’s like a car you can own a sports car but you still have to drive it

I wish you well

[Glenys147 in reply to T666]

Thank you

[PinkKizzie]

Hi Glenys147, I did have a fitbit but I became obsessed with checking my heart rate so I decided to get rid. As others have said, treat yourself to something nice. Wishing you a healthy and peaceful new year.

[Glenys147 in reply to PinkKizzie]

Thank you

[Sixtychick]

I sold mine. I found it caused me anxiety. I looked it up on the internet and it says it can trigger a type of Fitbit anxiety for many people, especially those with existing mental health issues or addictive personalities. I’d rather not know that I’m sleeping properly or I’m not getting enough exercise, etc etc. Everyone is different though, so I suppose you won’t know if it’ll affect you like that, till you try it. Bit expensive though, if you don’t like it. You can’t sell it for what you bought it for obviously..

[Glenys147 in reply to Sixtychick]

Thank you

[Alison_L]

My former Cardiac Rehab physio tells me that the Garmin range are the best on the market at the moment. More accurate than a Fitbit, and cheaper than an Apple.

[Glenys147 in reply to Alison_L]

Thank you.

[NealS]

had two fitbits. One lasted 3 yrs then two years. Outside warranty rubbish after care and expensive. Now have a reliable watch £8. Save yoir money.

[Glenys147 in reply to NealS]

Thank you. I plan to do just that.

[Sanmo]

I have a Fitbit and it's pretty accurate, I checked it to the readings I was getting in hospital. I no longer use it on a regular day to day basis as I became fixated with the readings which in turn caused anxiety which in turn pushed the reading more out of kilter an so on, a real vicious circle. I do use it now and again in bed as I have a very low heart rate that drops to 33 during sleep, I like to keep tabs on that now and again.

[richard_jw]

I have a fitbit sense. I use it to check my heart. I had a heart attack 4 years ago, and I try not to over exert when walking. I'm 79, and I try to keep my heart rate less than 110. However, I'm on a beta blocker, and it does a pretty good job of keeping my heart rate down. If I stop the BB my heart rate for the same level of exertion goes up by 8-10. so it's not obvious that the fitbit is very useful. If you pay google extra, you can track trends (heart, sleep, oxygen saturation, resting heart rate etc).

It's easy to take too much notice of the data. My heart sometimes is irregular, and this worries me although I have had recent Holter studies which are reassuring.

Not sure I would buy another

[Qualipop]

You could just get a pulse oximeter to check your oxygen level and heart rate. They are very cheap. Not 100% reliable but good enough.

[Crumbling]

Hi there, I’ve had a Fitbit for years and personally I find it very good, in fact it was my Fitbit that alerted me to my AF when I’d never even heard of AF and my consultant was happy to accept a Fitbit reading.

Although they’re not as accurate as medical equipment, I think, as mentioned above, they are consistent so they do alert you if something has taken a big change. For instance I had Covid in October and I’ve attached my heart rate graph as an example.

I do agree they can make you a bit obsessive but I have an obsessive personality anyway so it suits me.

Heart rate Covid in October.

[Glenys147 in reply to Crumbling]

As already mentioned, I have decided not to bother with one. Obviously for some people they are brilliant but the replies have made me double think how I would use one. Thank you.

[Oldsealady]

I have a watch that records your heart beat, doctors don't like there accuracy but they are handy to give you an idea of what's going on and sometimes some reassurance, don't wear all the time though might give you anxiety, just pop on if you feel unwell

[Glenys147 in reply to Oldsealady]

After considering all the pros and cons, I've decided not to buy one and will treat myself instead. Happy New year.