How accurate is HRV?

[SunsetRunner]

How accurate is the HRV in the health metrics?

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[Scotty7991]

The HRV measurement isn't even close to being accurate.  Not sure why Fitbit is having so much trouble fixing this.  Literally have tried 4 other non Fitbit devices and they are all providing accurate HRV data.  Plus I mentioned this to my doctor when I went for a scheduled treadmill stress test.  Doctor basically said that the HRV I was getting from Fitbit is garbage.  So basically, don't panic. 🙂

[Pn1305]

Thanks Scotty, hope fitbit address this eventually as there more people flagging it up

stay safe 

[Scotty7991]

Just to give an idea of how far off Fitbit's HRV measurement is:

Fitbit shows my HRV as 29 based on my most recent score.  It usually hovers between 20 and 30 (which is horrible!).

I put on my Polar H10 and checked my HRV this morning.  Result was 69 (which is quite good for my age and makes more sense given my level of cardio fitness).

So the bottom line is that Fitbit isn't even close to being accurate for HRV.  Very sad for such a basic measurement.

[Solutiongirl]

I would love 29. Mine hovers around 10 ....it totally freaks me out and
really dont' understand it. ...anyway out there make me feel better?

[DwgpndSurf]

While I'm on the charge 5, I'm having the exact same issue.  I'm 53, active, but not high level or intense exercise.  I do deal with regular stress due to work / home, but nothing that should drop me off the map.  My resting HR registers at 50 and HRV hangs around 20/21.

Of course, looking up what those numbers meant sent me into a panic.  So I'll be looking for other forms of technology with better accuracy to help me out.

[Scotty7991]

Don't panic.  If you have a chest strap hr monitor (I have the Polar H10), pair it with the free app Elite HRV.  Then you can accurately check your HRV and a lot of other interesting measurements.  Sadly Fitbit really dropped the ball on this one.  Hopefully they fix their algorithm or whatever to get this fixed.  In the meantime, this is the option I use for accurate HRV and related stats.

[DwgpndSurf]

Agreed about fitbit not getting this right.  For the very reason I mentioned, people will depend on this for information.  I tend to research stuff, whereas a lot of people may not.

Getting an important metric like HRV incorrect could cause a lot of people unfair concern.

I'm looking at a handful of items to include polar strap, plus the elite hrv cor sensor - to use both with the app.

Thanks for response, Scotty.  Have an awesome day! 🤙🏼

[t.parker]

The only way to verify accuracy is by performing the test on the spot and comparing results. Fitbit doesn't allow it so discussing the accuracy of any data which cannot be verified is pointless. It's could as well be just coming from random numbers generator.

[Scotty7991]

Good point!

[Bombahc]

Yeah I'm gonna say it's super inaccurate. I am a certified personal trainer and aside from really intensive peak zone training which would cause a temporary dip for maybe up to a week at most for most people, the numbers don't make any sense at all. I'm constantly sub 20 regardless of what kind of training I'm doing. Wrist monitoring is generally not super accurate for this kind of thing but Fitbit seems to be abysmal with accuracy.

[Pn1305]

Welcome to the club, the more we write about it they just do something to
fix it.--
null

[soulr]

Elite HRV with a polar chest strap gives me a reading of between 50 and 60 ms. The Fitbit sense gives me readings between 19 and 26 ms. The elite HRV app gives me comparisons with other people my age as well.

Why isn't Fitbit addressing this issue? Clearly it's freaking a lot of people out. I'm not going to renew my premium membership until Fitbit smarten up and start communicating with their users.

[Scotty7991]

Agreed 100%.  I just purchased a Garmin Venu 2 and it should arrive this week.  I am going to test the accuracy of that device, using Polar H10 and Elite HRV as the benchmark.  If Garmin provides accurate HRV, I'm breaking up with Fitbit after a 10+ year monogamous relationship.  Fitbit has had more than enough time to fix this issue and I'm not prepared to wait any longer.  They just don't seem to care.

[pderwa12]

I have the same problem. That is why I am looking it up. My ratings are also off the charts low and I read that the higher your have, the better it is. Yet at the same time when I look at my heart health on my resting heart rate it says I’m in excellent condition. 

[pderwa12]

Good information. Thank you. I looked up the polar hr10 on Amazon and it’s $72. That is too much money for me. I’ll just look at my ratings as probably being at least double of what they are. 

[songsj]

Just got a charge 5 and it reads 11 or 12 first 2 times.

[songsj]

And 10 today.

[Pn1305]

10 is joke isn’t it--
null

[songsj]

I got 18 once. This is a joke.

[Ssimms]

I have a new Charge 5 I got for Christmas that replaced a Charge 2 that didn't tell me my HRV. My RHR is around 72, I'm 69, and my HRV is 11! My other heart stats say they're good for someone my age. Is this stat accurate?