Fitbit - HR not quite right?

[tornintwohalfs]

I’ve bought a Fitbit to see if it’ll help me lose a bit of weight or at least get into better routines . Only got it today .

I weigh 22 stone for context ... I’m 5ft 9 . No clue of BMI. I’ve also got severe anxiety and agoraphobia.

Went out for a 5 min walk tonight and was stunned to see my HR was 145 just walking down the street . Is that a weight thing or just normal ? It’s gone back down to 85 now sitting on the sofa .

Have previously had tests done on heart as have ectopic beats (and a relative has a cardiomyopathy) - but always been told I’m normal , normal ultrasound and stress test and prolonged monitors etc.

I’m just in a bit of a panic and not sure if I should just ignore or tell GP .

Anxiety can raise your heart rate

It’ll get better as you lose weight.

I don't think they are that accurate. My heart rate seems quite high too, eg it goes up to around 160 when I am running a parkrun and can be 130 when I am walking briskly. I do have a chest strap to use with an older Garmin watch and have thought about using that to compare the readings.

I think you can ignore if you feel ok and you can eg have a normal conversation with someone while walking. But if you are worried, speak to your surgery for advice. They might want to see you or they might say it's fine.

If you have only just started wearing it today it takes a while to settle and get accurate.

First few days I had one my heart rate was so low I was about the rush off to the doctors.

Wearing at night helps with accuracy.

To give some perspective I’ve just checked mine at at some point in the last few hours it was 132 and all I’ve done today is walking. So a reasonable walk can get the heart rate up.

I’d see if your restIng heart rate goes down over the next few days.

I’ve just got one for similar reasons. I’m similar height, 15 stone and very unfit. My resting heart rate is about 70 and it goes to about 125 -130 if I’m walking for a few minutes so it sounds quite likely be right to me. I’ve compared the Fitbit reading with my own check of my pulse and it is accurate.

I have one and yes, your heart rate goes up a surprising amount when you're walking. In fact, doing longer and longer walks as you build up fitness is the best way to lose weight, as long as you don't overcompensate by eating more calories. Good luck

Just wanted to say well done in your walk and getting your Fitbit!

I think the panic and weight during your walk probably attributed to your HR.

I have a resting HR of 58 but when I exercise can go up to 168!

I think you're amazing and can't wait for your update in a few months!!

I have a resting hr of 48 and it can definitely get up to 168 when working out.

OP. If you do want to check your BMI just load the NHS BMITracker app from the App website.