ECG Data Conflict

[Adroblaw]

I’m trying to use the ECG APP and getting an “inconclusive” result. Scrolling down it says your heart rate is 46 and it can’t analyze data below 50. Ok, that is nice BUT I immediately did an EDA scan and my heart rate was in the 60’s and 50’s. Also the heart rate chart on my app never went below the mid 50’s. This was repeated multiple times with a similar result. Once it said my HR was 39. 

why does the ECG App get such different HR readings that the other apps using the same measuring device? Which is more accurate?

[USAF-Larry]

@Adroblaw, when you are placing your forefinger and thumb on the corners of the Sense, are you pulling the watch away from your arm, causing the sensor on the back of the watch to not be able to accurately detect the heart rate?

[Giampi71]

It could be that the HR sensor is giving incorrect reading as multiple users (including me) are reporting. Do you have a possibility to measure your HR in another way (including the old method to count manually your pulse) and check the reliability of the HR sensor?

[Adroblaw]

Yes. I can always do a HR check manually and also with a blood pressure monitor. But that doesn’t explain why there are different HR readings at effectively the same time on the ECG, HR, and EDA.

Aron Robinson
Sent from my iPhone

[Giampi71]

As far as I know EDA sensor doesn't read heart rate but just uses the HR sensor to provide the information. As I said there are many reports that HR sensor is not precise at all so my suggestions was to use an independent measure to see if the error falls on ECG or HR sensors.

[Adroblaw]

Thank you! Not to my knowledge but I will keep an eye on that. 

[CBV2]

Adroblaw: regarding the ECG I think we are talking about two different measures here.  As I understand it, the Sense's ECG app measures the heart rate from the heart's electrical impulses whereas the HR sensor measures it by detecting blood flow too and fro at the wrist.  The former is, I believe, quite accurate, whereas the latter is, to all accounts and my own experience, often inaccurate.  The ECG algorithm can't assess the electrical output if the rate is below 50 bpm as the app measures it and gives an "inconclusive" result.  However, notwithstanding that it does not provide an analysis the app does provide the wave form and you can get that by ignoring the "inconclusive" result and downloading the pdf.  Your doctor/cardiologist can then assess that trace, should you wish. 

[Adroblaw]

That is great info and what I was trying to find out! If they are different measurement methods that would explain the different readings. (It would seem a simple task for Fitbit to tell us that 😂)  I’ve always been bradycardic so I guess I will be doing lots of downloading. Thank you!