Versa heart rate and Afib

[SunsetRunner]

Set up Versa to monitor heart rate looking for cases of Afib since I cannot till when it happens.  Also set up custom zone looking for 166 - 200 bpm.  The normal charts only caught Afib once that lasted for 7 min custom zone caught it for 6min.  On all other ocassions the normal zones has not caught anymore episodes but the custom zone has.  They have been less than 3 minutes each.  My question is why is the custome zone catching Afib but regular zones not?  Is there a different acquisition rate? A different average rate? Both zones caught it once could it be momentary spikes not being averaged in regular zones?

[RobertoME]

Hi there @SunsetRunner, let me start by giving you a warm welcome to the Fitbit Community! This is a pretty interesting question. I'm not an expert in matters related to Afib (Atrial Fibrillation) cases.

However, based on my knowledge of Fitbit products your Versa will offer you by default, three Heart-rate zones that can help you optimize your workout by targeting different training intensities.

But Instead of using the 3 default zones you can also create a custom zone as you mentioned, which will be more accurate if you're targeting a specific heart rate readings, this could be the reason you are able to see the heart rate changes with customized zones.

Keep in mind the Versa or the PurePulse sensor of the heart rate, is not design for medical purposes, so is expected the readings of the Heart rate might not be accurate with Afib scenarios. There is a discussion topic in our Get Moving board that might be of your interest: warning if you have AFIB.

See you later and stay tuned to our Fitbit Community.