Fluctuating heart rate.

[ETHEL103]

Does anyone know why my fitbit and finger monitor show different heart rates please?

[HamishBoxer]

Possibly not that reliable. Take your pulse on the wrist and see if you detect variation that way .Get checked out if you do.

[Jaws66]

Because neither are perfect ways to measure heart rate, especially for high rates. As HamishBoxer says, measuring it yourself or on an ECG are accurate. Other methods are good for indications of trends etc.FYI, I have a Garmin Forerunner 45 watch and find it fairly accurate - the fitness trackers and smartwatches are improving all the time.

[Visigoth]

Probably due to one of them being inaccurate - mine are fairly consistent in their readings. But the finger monitor sometimes gives strange readings at first before it picks up the right level - maybe because my finger is cold or something

[321nursed]

Finger monitors and fit bits are not reliable. when you have a high erratic heart rate they cannot detect the in between beats and beats that are on top of each other. in order to get a correct heart rate you should have a smart watch that will take an ekg reading. you will never be able to count a high heart rate on your wrist or at your carotid. I have an apple series 5 watch and it can read and EKG and I have the capability to send the reading to my physician. my fitbit was never correct with my high heart rates. I switched and am very happy with the change. plus it will save all my EKG's in the apple health app and I can review my monitoring with my physician when I go in for checks. if your not in chronic Afib , you can also keep a log of your afib frequency , duration and date. the Ep doc or cardiologist like to see event monitoring when their patients visit.

[HamishBoxer]

I use a Kardia 6 L , which is excellent and takes a readable in the main ECG. These are normally respected by Cardiologists. Watches are not very much.

[ETHEL103 in reply to HamishBoxer]

Hi I have the single lead Kardia and have yet to show anyone. Private EP appointment today in London and I'm taking a few with me.

[HamishBoxer in reply to ETHEL103]

Excellent idea, of course they will use a 12 lead industry standard to be 100% on diagnosis.