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.

[evilneoprincess]

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@msalcedo wrote:

Yes, and all of the "support" provided so far is complete and utter mediocrity. I was told that I cannot get a replacement because they can't ensure that the new monitor won't have the same problem... Yet... Fitbit continues to sell Versa all over the world...

This is textbook "greedy corporation" behavior. 

I told the support rep that I am "willing to take my chances" with a new device, but they said NO. I told them that I have valid warranty, that Fitbit states that I get a replacement if my monitor has defects. But NO again... I am very upset and completely ready to be done with this deplorable company.

Screw Fitbit.

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I contacted support regarding high readings and they said that they were aware of the issue and that there is no fix. I now have an elastic band on my Fitbit to get better readings. My charge hr and charge 2 did not have this issue.

[Savikam53]

This helped me decide not get spouse Versa for Christmas. Need to look at Garmin or Apple Watch tomorrow. Thanks for your input.

Sent from my iPhone

[Tich]

Just a note to be aware that the grass isn't always greener... I temporarily switched to a Garmin Vivoactive 3 when I got tired of the Fitbit's unreliability... and the Garmin was several orders of magnitude worse! I may have gotten unlucky with my particular unit but looking on Amazon I'm certainly not alone in my assessment. If you're interested my review is here. In particular battery life was terrible (lucky to get more than a day), had to re-boot the watch every time I wanted to sync, and most importantly the HR was consistently inaccurate (often laughably so) making it useless as a fitness tracker. The "normal" Garmins must be better (given their reputation) but sadly given my experience I'm unlikely to try another Garmin unit 😞

[Savikam53]

Thanks for this info. I have had it too long to replace. Purchasing a Garmin for Christmas present instead of their requested Fitbit. Already purchased 4 Fitbit’s in the past few years. Needed something more reliable for a person who has diagnosed heart issues. I will check the information you provided to see if there is any type of resolution.

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[Savikam53]

Garmin will be purchased today. I like the GPS feature. Appreciate the recommendation.

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[Savikam53]

Same for me. I had the Alta HR and looking back at my HR history it has spiked. Additionally, I have lost 30 pounds and would think my HR has improved. My Alta HR had a high reading once that was accurate and I contacted the Cigna telenurse who instructed me to call paramedics. Paramedics came and confirmed the reading and I was off to ER. With the Versa being so unreliable, I am worried that a true emergency will be masked with all these erroneous readings. Passing this fashion statement to my granddaughter who does not need the HR accuracy as much. Garmin for spouse and possibly Apple Watch 4 for me. No more Versas.

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[Savikam53]

I am officially done. Liked the brand. However, known heart issues requires that I invest in something more reliable.

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[Savikam53]

I forgot about my warranty. Will try that option to see if I get different results. Stay tuned.

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[Savikam53]

Yikes. Don’t make me buy two Apple Watches.

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[Dazrox]

Take a look at the Polar M430. My experience is it us super reliable,
accurate and battery lasts between 3 to 7 days. (Depending on how many GPS
sessions I have) It is certainly not as good looking but when it comes to
activity tracking, the best by far.

[Savikam53]

Thanks.

Sent from my iPhone

[jw41]

Thank you for the information about Polar.
Unfortunately I have $200 invested in a useless Versa.
I hesitate to put out another $200.
I am really put off the whole product catagory.
Jim

Moderator edit: personal info removed

[Alex0627]

Me too...any fix?

[jw41]

No. You cannot get accurate HR readings from a FitBit Versa. Look at Polar.

Moderator edit: personal info removed

[Luvee8]

I am having the same issue with my Versa...there is also a decrepancy with the heart rates on the watch one for exercise will 190 and the regular heart rate will show 130..something is off with this

[MatlockSteven]

Its a shame - this would be a great watch if it wasn't for this serious flaw in its KEY purpose. My old fitbit charge reads very well in comparison to the versa. Why they couldn't have just moved the same tech across I dont know. 

I've also been round the houses with support resetting stuff (and wasting a lot of my time) without any joy.

[MatlockSteven]

I do tend to find it settles down for me. Near the start of a session I'll get double reading, then later its more accurate. 

[Konaneil]

I just spoke with a Fitbit customer service supervisor who told me they still don't have a time frame for when they'll have a fix  for t heart rate bug.

[SunsetRunner]

Same here. Mine was reading 169 and when I took my own heart rate and it was only in the low 70’s. Something is definitely wrong with the Fitbit 

[Konaneil]

With the heart rate wrong, all the other readings will be wrong as well. In other words, if the heart rate reading is high it will think you've done more work and burned more calories than you actually have.