Heart rate at 170?! while walking?

[step2it]

35 female 135 pounds wondering why the Surge is overestimating heart rate while walking. Just normal waking at a normal speed on even ground should not register 170, should it?

[MakMak]

That does seem awfully high. I just checked my graph and it seems that on my walks I typically see heart rate spike to around 130. Maybe a restart is in order?

[step2it]

I tried a restart but it's still the same. I have the heart monitor on AUTO. Would this have something to do with the lack of accuracy? Is it better to have it turned to ON?

[MakMak]

I wouldn't think that AUTO would impact things. Do you have small wrists? More likely you're getting some light interference (only other "mechanical" explanation I can think of).

[step2it]

Yes I do have small wrists. I have a small Surge and I'm five or six notches in. But I find higher heart rates when the watch is tighter on six. Is it better to wear the watch tighter or looser?

[mandivili]

New to Surge but I have noticed a few spikes in my heart rate to around 170.  I assumed it was due to loose fit but am not sure why it was 170 and did not register no heart rate.

[MakMak]

I believe that a tight fit is more accurate, which is why they recommend it for exercise. However, it's healthier for your skin, nerves, etc, to have a looser fit, which is why the recommend that for daily wear. But, it also allows for the intrusion of light, which can mess up readings.

[mandivili]

I think the hr is very accurate except for these occasional, short lived times when it spikes.  Everytime I am on a cardio machine, Surge hr mirrors cardio machine hr reading.  Not the most scientific but hr reading seems very much in line with the activity I am doing.

[RebeccaJD]

My Fitbit recorded my entire 5 mile hike at a HR of 190!!! It was probably more like 100-110. I've had lots of issues with the HR being way too low during intense exercise, but this is new. I hope Fitbit works through these issues soon.

[SuhasM]

Have been experiencing this on the Blaze. During jogs I hit a very consistent 130ish but while walking it's all over the place (105 to 173!). Relieved to know that I'm not alone!

[Bobajog]

Yep my Fitbit 2 does the same. On a long jog HR is abt 130-145. Faster run up to abt 165. On a walk it’s 90-110 but then with at least one, often two, massive spikes to about 170! Hand on wrist at these times pulse is about 120 so it does seem to be a fault with the kit. I’ve restarted my Fitbit 2 but no difference. 

[Pixiefarrell]

Mine can spike very high but my resting heart rate is around 100bpm mine can jump to 170bpm on bad day but I have tachycardia due to hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease) 

fit bit is pretty accurate to standard medical equipment such as oximeter. 

I have noticed when blood pressure is high effects my bpm. 

Always worth monitoring bpm and checking with gp to rule out any underlying health issues. 

[sac1]

I have a small wrist, wear Blaze.  During gentle 1 hour walk, my heart rate goes between 160 and 170 for about 15 mins.  I have tried to wear it tightly, or not so tightly, without much change.  I must say that I am out of breath.  Wondering whether it is the true reading.

[Ediey1]

My doctor just put me on a heart monitor for two weeks to verify my spikes from 60-170 while walking 2 miles. He says that  my Fitbit Charge 4 is possibly the culprit but he is taking no chances. I will know in a couple of weeks if my Fitbit is to blame or I have an afib issue. 

[sac1]

Many thanks for your reply. I have been resisting the halter test, as I am
getting cramps on my leg on a regular basis, and for the halter test, I
would have to walk the same distance.

*Sujit Choudhury*

[sac1]

I have now versa 3, and it seems the heart rate problem has gone away.