Notification of HR in Charge 5 when it is about to go over a customised high HR

[tiswasis]

My problem is that I need the Charge 5 or an app to notify me when I am going into a higher zone.
For people with M.E. the AT is 50-60% so I have to custom set those which I have done.
At 60% my AT is 90 ... above that I am in cardio or peak, a situation I need to avoid.
At 50% my AT is 75

For me it is extremely wise not to go over those readings.  I have set the watch to notify me but I have just realized my HR has been over 100 for quite a while without my noticing it (no notifications) so I have continued with the activity. 
Fitbits aren't just used for healthy people trying to get fitter but there are also a great number of people with chronic illness who are using them to monitor and pace their HR .  This doesn't seem to be being addressed ...

Moderator edit: format

[LZeeW · Accepted solution]

@tiswasis  I never set a custom zone for myself, but the Custom Zone option in the Heart Rate zones section of the app says you won't get on-wrist heart zone notifications during exercise.  I think a better choice is for you to set a Custom Max Heart Rate, not a Custom Zone.  A Custom Max HR changes the fat burn, cardio and peak thresholds, so your Fitbit will vibrate.  Setting a Custom Max Heart Rate has a lot of trial and error.  Your age and resting heart rate are part of the equation.  You won't be able to set them both with this trial and error approach.  The goal is to find the number that definitely sets that 90 bpm upper level.  I am very familiar with Fitbit's equation, so if you give me your age and usual resting heart rate, I can help you calculate the number.

[tiswasis]

Thank you - that looks helpful!
i am 70 but as I said previously the equation recommended for people with M.e./cfs is 50-60% of (220-age)
Can you point me to where I can set the custom Max heart rate.  I am confused as I use the app on my samsung phone but also the dashboard on my chromebook?
I had a charge 3 before and it worked fine but since changing to charge 5 last week my readings are all over the place and certainly spent much more time in cardio x

[tiswasis]

Thanks again, I've found it on the app and set it at 90 but no notification yet...
Is there something else I need to take off in settings?
I obviously can't do exercise as such and daily steps are usually well under 1000. Do i set HR notifications on or off in settings?
I have Main Goal set as Active zone minutes so is that confusing things?
Sorry but with poor cognitive functions it's really hard to follow generic instructions ...

[Wibby]

Hello @tiswasis 

I'm not sure if you still need help setting up the custom heart rates or not.  Just in case, here's how to do it.  From the Today screen in the App on your phone, tap your profile picture.  Then choose Activity and Wellness from the list of settings. 

Tap on Heart Settings, then High and Low Heart Rate.  Make sure High Heart Rate is toggled to On and is Green.  Then tap on Custom underneath it and select your threshold.  It might worth doing the same with Low Heart Rate if you're interested in that too.

Make sure you sync your Charge 5.

I did notice that these notifications come when you're inactive for more than 10 minutes.  If you're moving about when your heart rate goes up, you may not get notified.

I hope that helps a bit.

It would also be a really good idea to take @LZeeW  up on their offer to help you calculate the right heart rates for your situation.

Good luck! 

[tiswasis]

Thank you so much for reaching out ...
I tried it but unfortunately it didn't work.  The lowest custom threshold they offer is 100.  My HR rises quickly with any activity so the 10 min rule doesn't apply as I would already be way over AT.
With my charge 3 I rarely went above 100 and paid the price healthwise if I did.  I never went into Peak.
I have tried to post a screen shot of todays readings but it came out HUGE! All I have done is get up, make light breakfast and wash and dress (all sitting down).  As I am sitting writing HR is 92.
I have had no notifications except to congratulate me on 150 steps in a short period and according to the fitbit my readiness score is excellent and i am ready to tackle the days workout 🤔 I'm housebound and can barely walk from room to room!
I would gladly take up @LZeeW's offer.  I am 70 and my RHR is 78 today (most often 75)
I really would be grateful for any help...the aim was to start the new year with a new wearable (supposedly the best) but am actually feeling more stressed because of these problems.
I am wondering if a charge 4 would have been a better option for me ?

[Wibby]

Hello again @tiswasis 

I understand it must be very stressful for you. 

I used to have the Charge 4 and I was very happy with it.  I like the 5 too though.

@LZeeW  is very kind and now that we've put the Bat Call out for them, they should hopefully come and help you as soon as they're able to.

Hang on in there and try not to worry too much.  We may be in the ether, but we are here!

[tiswasis]

That's a relief! 😄
I have been trying to take and post a screenshot but my brain is fried.
The readings in first few hours today are

Peak - 6mins

Cardio - 31mins

Fatburn - 24mins

Custom -1hr 55mins

RHR 78

[LZeeW]

@tiswasis  @Wibby  No need for the Bat Call.  I needed to do some calculating.  And, yes, I have a real life beyond helping users on Fitbit.  😉

@tiswasis   I don't know of the Charge 4 will help you more than the 5.  I'm trying to get your Charge 5 to vibrate when your heart rate gets to about 90 bpm.  According to the Manual, the Charge 5 is supposed to be able to give you vibration feedback when you reach heart rates that put you in the fat burn, cardio and peak zones (p 42).  With your resting heart rate of 75-78, you are at your 50% AT at rest.  Please try the following:

• Tap on your profile picture on your Fitbit app
• Scroll down to and tap on Activity & Wellness
• Tap on Heart Settings
• Tap on Heart Rate Zones
• Toggle Custom Max Heart Rate to On
• Since you are 70, it should say 150
• Change it to 110.
• Toggle that Custom Zone to Off because it won't help you

The next step is to make sure you are getting the Heart Rate Zone notifications.  This is described on p 20-21 of the manual.

• Go to the Setting app on the Charge 5 -- swipe down on the clock face to find it
• According to the manual, it is in Other settings
• Make sure Heart Zone Notifications is On

I sure hope this works for.  If my math is right, your Charge 5 should vibrate once when your heart rate is about 90 bpm.  According to the Help articles, you must be at this heart rate for several minutes before it vibrates.  It isn't instantaneous.

[tiswasis]

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this ...I have followed each
step as you described, am now well over 95bpm and no notifications.

It appears to me that I have bought the wrong fitbit for my needs as I need
the instant notification of HR increase.
I bought my watch from Amazon UK after much deliberation. Nothing I saw
in the spiel suggested to me that this would be a problem. I can see what
a good device it would be for a fit person. Do you think there is any
chance of a refund - I have kept the box etc but after using it for 5 days,
it has obviously been opened?

You say you don't think the Charge 4 would help...would I have the same
issue with delayed notification of heart rate increase? This is the main
function I need.

[LZeeW]

@tiswasis   I live in the US, but you should be able to return it under Amazon UK's usual return policy.  Their return policy is pretty generous in the US.  As long as you return everything, Amazon can re-sell it as Like New.  All Fitbits that give these kinds of notifications use the same programming.  This is why a Charge 4 won't make a difference.

Please check one thing before you give up.  I am a healthy 66 year old with a resting heart rate of 47-48.  Here is a screenshot of my heart rate zones:

When I changed my Custom Max Heart Rate to 110, my zones changed:

Did your numbers change and did the yellow number get close to 90?  If not, then my math is wrong.  Also, I wear a Versa 3 and it doesn't have the option for these heart rate zone notifications for normal use.  @Wibby, as a Charge 5 user, can you verify that the Heart Rate Zones setting that I described is part of the Settings on the Charge 5? 

[tiswasis]

Thanks so much for your help, both of you.
It did go to 94 so you're pretty close but it hasn't made any difference to todays readings.  I will give it another 24 hrs to see if it changes from get go tomorrow.  My HR is always much higher in the morning.  I suspect it is the 10 min delay that is going to be the problem for me ...
I have sounded out Amazon and they are prepared to give me a refund so if this doesn't work it's back to the trusty old Charge 3 for me which doesn't notify me either but at least accepts the customized settings so my readings are accurate.
Thank you for your support - at least we tried! xx

[Wibby]

Hello @LZeeW 

Yes, the Heart Zone Settings change on the Charge 5 in the same way if I follow your instructions.

Sorry it's a bit late but I was asleep.

[LZeeW]

@tiswasis   I'm sorry that that Fitbit's programming can't meet your needs.  I got a small break from my "real life" and did a little searching to see if a simple heart rate monitor with alarms exists.  I found this site and it has a link to recommended heart rate monitors.  Although there are Fitbit models on the list, it says they are "problematic or poorly suited for activity."  I hope you can find a device that meets your needs. 

[tiswasis]

That's so kind of you! Above and beyond ... 😍
THat's a really good site and has lots of helpful info on it.  I can't really delve into it today as I'm struggling after the stressors of the past few days.
My readings are a lot better today after following your advice yesterday but I have decided to return it anyway.  My FB charge 3 is adequate right now. There are plans well underway ( by the Workwell Foundation I think) to bring out a device suitable for our needs.  I've seen the prototype and not exactly as slick as FB but should certainly be more useful.
For now I have decided to avoid brain work and devices and just hibernate for a couple of cold wintery months and hopefully build up some reserves that way
Thank you once again, your help has been invaluable

 Issy x