Heart rate monitor

sportzmom23
sportzmom23 Posts: 103 Member
in Getting Started
I have been using my HRM on and off for a year now, starting the last month or so getting very consistent with it. I have tried to wear it for a few minutes as suggested to get it accustomed to my heart rate, but many times as I start to exercise (anything from a hike this am to a run) it jumps to an outrageous number (most recent was 237my normal resting is mid 80's) and says I am out of range. It also does this when I do pull ups, etc.

Am I doing something wrong, wearing it wrong, or what?

thanks!

Replies

  • socioseguro
    socioseguro Posts: 1,679 Member
    Hi

    I used to have the same issue with a Polar HRM. Here is their web advice for such problems. If your HRM is not Polar , check the manufaturer's web site


    If your Polar training computer / sensor is not working as it should, try troubleshooting before contacting your closest Polar Service.


    POLAR WEB SITE QUOTATION


    1. Are you wearing the heart rate sensor correctly?
    The heart rate sensor should be worn flat against the skin, Polar logo in upright position. See example here.
    2. Are the heart rate sensor electrodes thoroughly wet? See example here.
    3. Is the heart rate sensor and the elastic strap clean?
    Read more on WearLink heart rate sensors or on T31 and T31C Transmitters. See also video instructions.

    4. Is the heart rate sensor compatible with your training computer?
    5. Is the 5 kHz training computer within 1 meter/ 3.3 feet range from the heart rate sensor?

    6. If you have a T31 non-coded heart rate sensor, make sure that there are no other 5 kHz heart rate sensors within 1 meter/ 3.3 feet radius. Check here what type of transmission your training computer uses.

    7. Are the heart rate signals unusually high or otherwise abnormal?
    Relocating the training computer or adjusting the heart rate sensor on your body may help. For a list of possible sources of disturbance, see Abnormal Heart Rate Readings During Exercise.

    8. Has the battery been changed by an unauthorized party? For some Polar training computer models you can change the battery yourself, for others Polar authorized service is recommended. See more here.

    9 Does the ECG signal strength vary?
    ECG signal strength varies depending on the individual’s tissue composition. The percentage of people who experience difficulties measuring heart rate is higher in water environment than in normal use.
    10. Were you using the training computer in, or near seawater or a swimming pool? Have the buttons been pressed under water?
    Seawater and swimming pool chemicals can affect ECG signal reception. Do not press buttons under water as it may cause leaking. For more on Polar products in water, see Polar Products in Water Environment.
    11. Is the display frozen?
    If the display has frozen, try resetting it. See user manual for instructions.

    END QUOTE POLAR WEB SITE
  • acpgee
    acpgee Posts: 8,015 Member
    I had a similar problem and had my transmitter repaired by Polar under warranty. It was behaving erratically, jumping from zombie reading to hyperactive (heart rate 0% to 150% of max heart rate and back again).

    Apparently the transmitter is fragile and can be damaged by erosion. After my repair I was advised to dry off the transmitter and store separately from the chest strap. Previously I was throwing the rinsed wet chest strap and disengaged transmitter into the same bowl on the counter.

    You can try the following before deciding a repair or replacement is necessary.

    Wet the chest strap.
    Wash the chest strap.
    Change the battery of the transmitter and watch.
    Wear the watch on a bra strap (or anywhere close to the transmitter).

    If your HRM is a Polar their customer service is fantastic. I contacted them on the website and they sent instructions for sending in the HRM for repair. Amazingly I got my HRM back within two days time. Warranty is two years too.
  • sportzmom23
    sportzmom23 Posts: 103 Member
    thanks, I do have Polar FT4. I do the above, from storing separately to washing regularly, but did loan it to a friend who may not have done such.

    will be going thru and trying all the different steps again, and hope it works! yesterday I bent over to tie my shoe, my HRM was supposedly 243!
  • JuiceBars
    JuiceBars Posts: 78 Member
    When was the battery changed? I wonder if that would make a difference. I have the same one and have not had any problems. A friend of mine has one and her numbers are off like yours.....I would love to know if it is a simple fix or a manufacturer's repair....what a pain either way tho.
  • acpgee
    acpgee Posts: 8,015 Member
    I sent mine back to Polar and got it fixed under warranty and it wasn't a pain at all, surprisingly. Just contact them via the website they send instructions on how to send it in. Mine was returned within two days.

    If it is no longer under warranty I hear you can the buy a replacement transmitter separately.

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