Ionic Heart Rate is Inaccurate compared to Cardiac Stress Test Equipment

[FleetFoot]

I just got my new Ionic three weeks ago, updated the IOS, etc, and the heart rate is reading high when I run, averaging 170 bpm for a 5 mile run. It should be 130-140 BPM.  I have read many of the staff replies to the same topic by other members, and I have followed all the recommendations, with no change in the result.  This Ionic is reading high, the same as the prior Ionic I had just before this.  When I had a nuclear stress test at my cardiologist's clinic last year, they had all the electrodes stuck to my chest etc and constant EKG readout etc with heart rate on the monitor in front of me.  The medical equipment indicated a heart rate of 135-137 BPM for several minutes when I got on pace, and the Ionic was reading 170 - 175 BPM.  So clearly the Ionic was incorrect.  I did the resets etc and always got the same Ionic readings. I had hoped the new Ionic would do better.  Again, I have followed all the fitbit recommendations.  The Ionic obviously is off on BPM.  IS THERE A FIX FOR THIS?  I had a heart attack 6 years ago and watch my heart rate diligently. Thanks

[SilviaFitbit · Accepted solution]

@FleetFoot It's nice to see you on the Community. Sorry for the delayed in my reply. 

I appreciate the detailed information shared and the troubleshooting tried prior to posting. Thank you for letting me know that you got your Ionic a few weeks ago. 

I would like to confirm you followed these tips to improve your heart rate reading. Also, please check the factors that can affect your heart-rate reading on your watch. 

At times, you might notice slight variations between your heart-rate reading on your Fitbit device versus on another device (such as a chest strap or another wrist-based heart-rate tracker) due to the differences in technologies. 

Differences between heart-rate readings on your device and on exercise equipment are likely due to wrist or hand position. Make sure the back of your device is in contact with your wrist and that your band is snug.

Last but not least, please let me know if you're seeing your heart rate reading high only when you're running or when you're doing any other activity too.

Looking forward to hearing back from you.

[FleetFoot]

Silvia, thank you so much for your advice.  My Ionic is reading accurately now!  The thing that made the difference was when I tightened the wristband as tight as I could.  So tight it is almost uncomfortable.  But now when I run the Ionic shows 135 - 145 BPM which is what I would expect.  What threw me off is that the other instructions I had read indicated my fitbit should be slightly loose around my wrist. But when I wear it like that, the heart rate is much higher (170 - 180 bpm).  Thanks again!

[FleetFoot]

Silivia, also - I was seeing the high heart rate only when I was running before i tightened the watchband.  when resting, my bpm was at expected levels (50-60 bpm) even though the watchband was loose. I can't give an opinion on the Ionic's bpm at mild/moderate activity levels when loose vs tight. 

[rogerth]

Mine was doing the same and caused an unnecessary Doctors emergency visit and 90$.

I stopped using my Ionic and reverted to my Versa which did not suffer the same problem. Note that Google FITBIT have dumped the Ionic as it is inaccurate. Fitbit should recall them and fix them. Only able to use safely for those who do not need heart rate monitoring. Move to Apple Watch which is much more accurate.