Polar HRM reading above 200?

amhershman319
amhershman319 Posts: 5
in Fitness and Exercise
I finally broke down and got a HRM (Polar FT4) and was testing it out at the gym. I'm not the most fit right now, but I have been working out at least once or twice a week.

Long story short, I started my normal jog at a light pace and my heart rate jumped up to over 200! I was really surprised and worried. I didn't feel like I was working that hard...

Is this normal? When I slow back down to a walk it poofs right back down to the 'safe" range, with 165 being the highest it should get. Maybe the HRM is reading wrong? Does anyone else have this issue?
Thank you for whatever feedback you have!

Replies

  • acpgee
    acpgee Posts: 7,996 Member
    I had erratic readings from my Polar FT4 as well. I sent an email to Polar who sent me back instructions for getting replacement/repair under warranty (2 years).

    Problem with my H\RM was apparently oxidization of transmitter.
  • JohnDowding
    JohnDowding Posts: 46 Member
    I've never seen over 200, but frequently my heart gets to 180. I discussed it with my doctor, he had me take a stress test, and cleared me for all the exercises I want to do.

    Or, maybe the HRM is wrong? If you take your pulse yourself, does it agree? I agree surprised sometimes by how fast mine does rise, it was about 120 the other day while I was still programming the stair machine.
  • allaboutthecake
    allaboutthecake Posts: 1,535 Member
    you wear a chest strap with it?
    How long have you done cardio?

    I wear a Garmin 310xt and have never hit over 173 (I'm age 53). If I hit over 173, someone would have to peel me up off the pavement.

    Worth checking Polar customer service.
  • julie781
    julie781 Posts: 221 Member
    That shouldn't happen with a brand new monitor. Mine started doing this after a year or so. I replaced the batteries and got a new strap and every thing's copacetic. I'd return yours to the store or polarusa. I love my HRM. one of the best investments ever. If it works that is :p
  • amhershman319
    amhershman319 Posts: 5
    I'll check out customer service. I play soccer once a week, plus I jog at the gym. (not too fast)

    It has a chest strap. I made sure to follow the instructions to a T with wetting the electrodes...

    Thanks for all the input! :)
  • allaboutthecake
    allaboutthecake Posts: 1,535 Member
    Your maximum heart rate for a 23y/o female is 185.76.
    50-85% of the maximum heart rate value would top out at 157.90 (give or take a point).

    Considering your activity choice, I would say your HRM is a little screwed up. :wink:

    (tho math is not my thing)
  • QuietBloom
    QuietBloom Posts: 5,413 Member
    It's not uncommon for mine to sometimes flash weird readings like that. Running under a power line used to cause it to stutter. I never thought much about it, personally.
  • QuietBloom
    QuietBloom Posts: 5,413 Member
    Your maximum heart rate for a 23y/o female is 185.76.
    50-85% of the maximum heart rate value would top out at 157.90 (give or take a point).

    Considering your activity choice, I would say your HRM is a little screwed up. :wink:

    (tho math is not my thing)

    My maximum at 32 was 200. It's dropped in the past 10 years to 195. Those formulas never worked for me. I still use my HRM because it's fun, but I can tell by how I feel whether or not I am in an aerobic zone or not.
  • MelodyandBarbells
    MelodyandBarbells Posts: 7,724 Member
    Mine jumped to 205 in class yesterday. Silly me, I hadn't rinsed it in a while. The salt from sweat causes the readings to be transmitted improperly, need to rinse after each use, ideally, and throw it in with the wash periodically.
  • fleetzz
    fleetzz Posts: 962 Member
    Sometimes the hrm (or any monitor) can read the t waves as qrs complexes giving a heart rate up to double the actual rate. Take your pulse when it goes suddenly high to correlate.

    In any case your heart rate can go over 200--I went to 202 playing soccer. My "maximum heart rate" is 175.

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