Accuracy of HRV on the Charge 5

[Shari_S]

I recently started wearing my Fitbit Charge 5 overnight and it is telling me my HRV is 26, which is very concerning unless the number is inaccurate. I was experiencing heart palpitations a couple of months ago and had a holter monitor that was completely normal. Is this happening to anyone else? 

Moderator edit: format

[DavideFitbit]

Hi, welcome to the Community Forums, @Shari_S.  

Thank you sharing this information about what you've been experiencing with your Charge 5. 

Before considering other options, please keep in mind the following to make sure you get accurate information on the Health Metrics: 

• Wear your device for at least 1 full day (during the day and to sleep at night). Check your stats after you wake up in the morning. Note: skin temperature requires 3 nights of data.
• Make sure the back of your device is in contact with your skin. The band should be snug but not constricting. If you experience any discomfort, loosen the band, and if it persists give your wrist a break by taking it off.
• Most metrics require at least 3 hours of quality sleep. If you move a lot during your sleep or the sleep session is too short, you might not get a reading.

For more detailed information, see What should I know about health metrics in the Fitbit app? In addition, please try the following steps as well: 

1. Log out from the Fitbit app.
2. Clear Cache and Cookies for the Fitbit app on the phone's settings. 
3. Restart your phone. 
4. Restart your Charge 5. 
5. Log back in and check if you're able to see your information properly. 

Make sure to follow all the recommendations listed here to improve accuracy of heart rate information as well. 

Hope this helps, I'll be around. 

[Wibby]

Hello @Shari_S 

I can understand why you're worried, but please try not to.

I've found that quality of sleep, stress levels and general health can really affect the HRV metric and have not been looking at it in a very serious medical way.  As far as I know, I don't have any heart issues but my HRV this week has changed dramatically every day this week.  I can look at the days and say 'Ah, that's because....'  as I had good or bad things influencing my body or mind on those days before I went to sleep and it was measured.

Here's a screen shot to give you an idea.

When I click on More Information, it makes sense to me in my personal situation.

I would try not to worry unless it's a consistent pattern over several nights.

I hope that helps a bit.

[DavideFitbit]

Thank you for sharing all this information, @Wibby!  

[Shari_S]

Thank you for this information! I waited a bit to see if it would change but it seems to range anywhere from 23-28 every night, with one night being 34 (highest). I am 17 weeks pregnant so I'm wondering if this is affecting that number and making it lower. I do get worried because I am being followed by a cardiologist for heart palpitations, however they always tell me my holter monitor is normal. I will try not to worry too much. 

[Keann]

I just posted about this morning.  I am not sure it is accurate.  I am getting readings from 13-17 on my Charge 5, which is an alarmingly low range, and I am in good health.  

[Shari_S]

That makes me feel much better because I can't imagine what would be going on that would make the numbers that low, unless it's just inaccurate. 

[Wibby]

Hello again @Shari_S 

It might be worth completely ignoring the figures if they're going to worry you. They're not official, medical ones.  Your doctor knows what they're talking about (certainly more than a tracker).  

I know this is easy to say, but:

Relax, breathe, think happy, positive thoughts.  Your heart's beating, your cardiologist is keeping an eye on you and keeping you safe.  You're going to be fine.  Enjoy your pregnancy.  I hope it's a safe, easy and a wonderful time in your life.  Don't let a thing ruin it for you, especially not some random figures on your phone.

Good luck!

[Shari_S]

That's very sweet! And thank you. You're completely right. I shouldn't be worrying over something that is probably not accurate and not medical.