Heart rate readings too high in Fitbit Versa

[tiim]

I just went on my first run with the Versa and found the heart rate wildly off. I've had several other Fitbit devices that have registered a peak rate between 160-165 bpm for the same run, on the same wrist, with the same wrist placement. This run shows a lengthy section where my heart rate peaks at 209. I'm in my late 40's... No way that is accurate. Anything I can do to fix this?

Moderator Edit: Updated Subject For Clarity.

[SunriseGirl]

I just checked the Versa heart rate against a Wahoo Tckr Chest Strap...off by 20-30bpm.  I then checked my Blaze to the same chest strap and they were usually at most 2 bpm apart.  This may be why Calories burned seem to be trending 100-200 calories higher than the older Fitbit.  

[TezaC]

Showing a heart beat and I’m not even wearing it !!

[Yvette-NS]

Mine just started that too

Sent from my iPhone

[TezaC]

Note the activity - riding my motorcycle to work in the morning

Corresponding heart rate for the ride to work. However the Versa was in my backpack. I had taken it off so the ride wouldn’t generate steps. It still did but not as many as when it is on my wrist.

[RobertoME]

Hi there everyone, thanks for reporting the heart rate seem to high in the Fitbit Versa. My apologies for the late response and I know this may not apply to all the scenarios mentioned in this thread.

However, some accessory bands may not perform well for heart rate tracking, we recommend wearing a classic band for optimal results. 

Though we've found that PurePulse provides better overall heart rate tracking than cardio machines or chest straps since it tracks your heart rate day and night, wrist placement during certain vigorous exercise is important. Review the information on optimal wear closely and make sure you follow the recommendations: What impacts my heart rate?

So far we are still investigating and I'm waiting for more updates to keep you posted. See you around.

[Reece_Tarbert]

@RobertoME: Sorry, but your version of Steve Jobs' infamous "You're holding it wrong" is nothing short of offensive. I've used an Alta HR for a little over a year and it seemed to provide reasonable HR readings, so I guess that I've must been wearing it right.

On the other hand, the Versa has been consistently all over the place so I've returned mine and bought a Garmin Vivoactive 3 instead which, lo and behold, is also providing reasonable HR readings for the same type activities and under the same conditions.

I really wanted to like the Versa but, at least judging by my experience, it's not ready for prime time yet -- but we can send quick replies now, so I guess that makes it all good?

RT.

[BamIAm]

I have a Surge, Charge 2, and Blaze, so I know how to position them for an accurate HR reading.

The Versa would have "run away" moments when I was at rest.  HR would shoot up to 120 BPM when my actual pulse was around 68 to 72.  It happened repeatedly during the day, restarting it would bring it back to normal.  I was wearing it in the "correct" position, and using both the stock band and an aftermarket silicone one, same problem with either band.

I think the single LED sensor design is a downgrade from Fitbit's older units, not providing enough light for an accurate reading.  It appears that the Ionic has a similar design problem as well from the messages on their support board.

Returned the Versa to the store yesterday, and I'm back to using my Blaze and Charge 2.  When they wear out I'll consider other options.

[Lovetorunandlif]

This is insulting. I have had several fitbits and have never had this issue. I have also tried wearing it EXACTLY where fitbit recommends and still have the crazy heart rate spikes. So please stop blaming this on user error, because its not; Its a product error.  Anyhow, I have noticed that it only seems to be when I use "run" mode. Any other mode it seems to be fine. I'm really trying to stick it out and wait for a fix but if you guys keep blaming poor results on the consumer i may have to join the rest and jump ship. 

[SunriseGirl]

I was using the original band that came with the Versa.  Also, when I was comparing the heart rates of the Versa and Blaze against the Chest strap, this was while sitting and then casually walking.  One watch on each arm, with the recommended placement, then switched arms.  

[bcbakerun]

@RobertoME  I received the ...15 firmware upgrade.  As expected, it did not correct the too high heart rate problem.  PLEASE, is anyone at Fitbit working on the heart rate problem?  Some acknowledgement of it from Fitbit would be appreciated.

[Dazrox]

I believe it is a physical design flaw that can not be fixed. If Fitbit are
saying straps are an issue this sends alarm bells because any well designed
watch should work well regardless of which strap is being used.

[Jimtowner]

I think earlier in this thread someone from Fitbit said they were looking
into the problem. I am not optimistic. I suspect it’s a hardware issue.
Why? I returned my Versa for another and it does not have THIS problem with
same apps and firmware. There are other threads with people pulling their
hair out with other problems including high step counts or crashing apps.
With fingers crossed I purchased one for my wife. Heart rate is ok but she
logs 4000 steps drinking her morning coffeee. So it’s going back and we’ll
keep returning until one works. On Amazon 20% +/- of reviews are seriously
dissatisfied with problems, all with same firmware before the new version
(which does not appear to resolve any of the tracking problems). The common
denominator appears to be hardware so I’m guessing it’s an unfixable
hardware problem but I certainly would like to be wrong. If Fitbit cares
enough maybe they can refute it.
--

Moderator Edit: Formatting

[SunsetRunner]

I'm having the same problem.  The first day I used my Fitbit I put it on the "workout" and it seemed to be fairly accurate. HR and calories burned, but since that first time my HR is way too low.  I do strength training with short HR exercises in between sets and it's not uncommon for my HR to get in the upper 160s.  Lately my Fitbit registers it anywhere from 110-130.  I never had these HR inaccuracies with my Polar HR monitor.  An accurate HR is a huge thing for me.  I'm really torn because I love the concept of the versa but unless Fitbit can get these HR issues fixed it could be a deal breaker for me.

[MsFLGirl]

Have been reading about lots of HR reading issues. Today I had a peak of 203 and freaked me too. I am in the excellent heart range for my age but still is alarming. Thanks for posting so I know  someone else had a high reading as well. 

[Jess55]

I’m so pissed right now.  It’s been a month and no fix.  I should have returned it while I still could.  Contacted support and they told me to try a reset and that did nothing.  Then they say they’re aware of the problem and don’t know when it will be fixed.

well, now I just want my money back.  I didn’t spend $200 for something that doesn’t work.  I was in my car driving the other day, tapping my hands o; the steering wheel to the music and I looked at my Versa and it said my HR was 124.  This is rediculous!  Weirdly it seems to be correct when I’m actually working out.  My gym sessions say my max hr is 168 or so, which is what my charge 2 used to say

[bobmccon]

well...i gave up. My versa gave up the ghost the otherday when i went
swimming. The crystal had cracked when i had fallen the other day, but as
it never worked properly in re heart rate..i gave up and ordered a garmin.

[hawkman199]

I updated to the new firmware and per the fitment instructions from Fitbit, moved my Versa a little higher on my wrist and tightened the band one notch, from where I usually wear the Versa, for my spin class.

Bingo, my heart rate was accurate and kcals a lot more representative of what I would expect.

I'm happy with the new update.

[MsFLGirl]

Thank you! I too read some instructions about trying the same. Today is the first day to again monitor my HR to see if this helps.

I hope my success matches yours.

Thanks again!

Sent from my iPhone

[LWW73]

I wanted to love it, too, but the only "solution" I found was to get
another tracker. The Versas are junk - IMHO. By the way, have you tried
wearing it a little higher on your wrist? (Just kidding, of course.)

[MsFLGirl]

I hope I did not get a lemon. Everything else seems to work great and yes tighter on the wrist (although I do not like that) works better.
👍

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