Frightening Readings on My Polar HRM

lindalee0315

Recently, my HRM (Polar FT80) has been registering heart rates in the 200-230 mark. This spooks me a little. Yesterday during my endurance spin when I noticed it, I stopped and took my own pulse and it was about what I expected it to be. I had an F8 (I think, it's been awhile) for years and years, and that also would register these odd readings once in awhile. I never feel out of breath or like I would expect to feel if I really had a heart rate in the 200s. I was wondering if anyone else has had this experience with Polar?

cekeys

Are you wetting the contact points like your'e supposed to?

Try getting a resting heart rate. If it's too high (mine is 68 BPM @ 6'2", 211 lbs.) then something is wrong with your transmitter.

leadoff

Are the readings spikes or constant? Could be something as simple as the contact points like cekeys said, especially if the readings are spiking. A little vaseline on the contacts usually helps. May want to check the battery, as well!

tuffytuffy1

Mine did that just two days ago, gave me a 230 reading! It was definitely wrong. I am guilty of not wetting the electrodes thoroughly because I hate having a wet strap against my skin. But I think that is why you can get wacky readings.

lindalee0315

Thanks everyone. I will try the Vaseline option. I do wet the contacts pretty well, but maybe it slips around/dries out during workouts. I will try adjusting the strap, too.

fasttrack27

An employee at the Spartan Y learned about a serious heart problem via high readings on her HRM. I wouldn't let that go too long assuming its a technical error! If it keeps up, see a doc just to be sure!! I dont seem to ever get false readings on mine. If I dont wet it first it just flat out wont register the HR.