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HRV and SPO2 accuracy on Sense?

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Just got Sense. The resting heart rate measurement seems accurate at rest, however I have concerns about the accuracy of the HRV and SPO2. For SPO2, I have a separate Pulse Oximeter. When compared, the Sense reading is always a bit lower. So far, the HRV result I've gotten is very low. Considering the averages for my age and my overall health, this seems very off, and I will be testing HRV on another device. Has anyone else noticed these issues?

 

 

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity and label.

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103 REPLIES 103
That’s exactly my hesitation for getting whoop too. I also like the watch. But sadly I am a slave to my phone. But I’ve grown accustomed to the alerts but don’t want an Apple Watch.

Seems Fitbit premium won’t be worth it though.

Please forgive type-o's, sent from my iPhone
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I've been so worried the past couple days reading all about HRV!!! Mine has consistently been 30. I am 34, pretty healthy...I weigh 150. I do suffer from anxiety and depression....but I feel like 30 is so low!!! And it's making my anxiety worse! What is you HRV?

 

He is talking about the HRV I think

 

Mine haven't gone above 30.....it's making me very worried 😟

 

 

 

Moderator Edit: Merge replies 

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Don’t be worried.  It’s not accurate at all.  Numerous runners and very active people have posted that the HRV readings are way off.  I never check HRV.  It’s so wrong.   

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Hi @Rthorsen It is not comparable with HRV measurements made from a chest strap. I am pretty sure the Sense watch measure HRV on the blood from reliable. I have both tools available and my hypothese is that the measured, or estimated HRV on the blood flow is less than the HRV when measuring electrical pulses from the heart. It will be smoothen out due to physics, resistance and elasticity of the veins and blood. 

 

My Sense give me HRV readings between 20 and 30 and I am not worried. The same applies with the RHR being measured differently by Fitbit compared to other methods, some take the very lowest observed HR during night, some use the morning instant reading, some average HR over a 5 min period, some take HR when sitting up during the day etc. What is important is that you measure it in exactly the same way each time to compare it with previous days results.

In my opinion this is the advantage with fitbit and other wrist devices, it is measured automatically and calculated in the same way each day, goes for both HRV and HR.

 

I recommend to ignore posts using HRV measurements from chest straps and other devices, there will be a too large variation. The same goes for some of the publicized studies on HRV, which measure the electrical pulses and often use 24h average results.

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@Micsb the problem is that Fitbit uses term "HRV" for something that apparently isn't HRV. HRV is well defined and measurable. If from two measuring you receive two different results then the only valid options are:

1) one of them is right, the other is wrong

2) both are wrong

 

So is really Fitbit's HRV "Heart Rate Variability" or rather it should be called "Blood Flow Variability" (or something like that)? As you noticed, it isn't obtained from heart rate 🙂

 

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Mine read 41 last night, but since I got it it seems to be low as well compared to what I read online it should be.  Last 7 days. 36, 36, 39, 40, 33, 44 and 41.   Resting heart rate is 61 most days.  Always get over 10000 steps daily.  I wake up a lot at night to let my cats outside so my sleep isn't great.

 

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I bought the Sense 30 days ago and love everything about it, but the HRV readings are really off (I hope).  I have tried to factory reset, reboot, and now just exchanged the Sense for a new one.  All resulting in HRV readings of 13ms - 17ms.  

 

Anyone else seeing results so low and any help from FitBit?  

 

I have read a lot and understand that it really isn't about complete accuracy, it's more about relative change (makes total sense).  However, with readings this low I can't believe I would see a drop in HRV as there isn't really room to go down. 

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I have spoken to a few professionals from the sports medicine field and they all seem to agree that HRV is very difficult to measure on inexpensive wearable devices like a Fitbit even with expensive holster monitors this is often not accurate. Don’t worry yourself I had the same concern months ago this is just marketing all the manufacturers are doing it. If you want actual results do multiple sleep studies and establish a baseline from them.

Regards,

JEH


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My HRV was 31 last night. I have googled and went on YouTube but can't
find much helpful information. But yes, it's way too low. I have read a
ton of people who workout and are athletes and get lower ratings than mine.
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Doesn’t work. Many have spoke about this. I don’t even look at the HRV.

Sent from my iPhone
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You are doing better than I am!  Mine say between 8-13!   As I am older, but in good health, I plan on having my doctor order an ekg to be on the safe side.  The ecg in the Fitbit always says normal.  Hoping the Fitbit is wrong or I must be I’ll without knowing it 

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mine are always between 8-14.  I am very healthy, though older.  I just had a complete physical and was in perfect health 

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I have been worried about mine 8-14!!!  Guessing it isn’t accurately 

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mine is between 8-14!!  Guessing it doesn’t work 

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Here is 1 video done by a doctor that I like about explaining the information coming from the Fitbit Sense and I have found the section about HRV very useful for me.  Maybe you have already seen it in your own research, but I am sharing in case it wasn`t the case:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nde2KZwc-T4 

 

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Does anyone knows how to display these health metrics on Desktop (Fitbit web page dashboard)?

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SunsetRunner — I realize your post was made some time ago, but did your HRV measurement on your FitBit ever change ? I too just got the updated FitBit with HRV and my daily measurements range from 17 to 24 — wondering how I would of made it to this age with those kinds of stats but I am suspecting they are not legit (at least I hope not!), So I was interested to see how yours turned out. Thanks! 

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This makes me feel 100% better. I am above average for my age in all my other metrics. According to HRV I better get my heart checked out soon! I figured it wasn’t very accurate but seeing it in writing from others takes away the assumption. 

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Mine is 11! Freaking out and very pleased to find this forum. 

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FWIW I was with a cardiologist a little while ago. He was wearing an Aura ring so I asked if he knew much about Fitbit and the Whoop too. I mentioned what was happening with HRV (as discussed here) on my FitBit. He said not to worry. HRV is very personal and what matters is your individual range and changes relative to yourself.  Hope that helps. 

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