Wrist Heart Rate Monitor With Alarm When It Reaches A Settable Limit?

[LittleSquidge]

I have M.E./Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and I’m trying to pace by keeping my heart rate low.

I need a wrist heart rate monitor that alerts me (vibration or beep, or both) the second I go over the limit I have input. I need continuous heart rate monitoring to support the alarm feature.

I bought the Huawei Band 4 as it described that feature, but using it every day (not on a workout mode) has allowed me to go over multiple times with no alert. A lot of these bands seem to only alert when on workout mode, but those have time limits and absolutely rinse the battery.

The Mio Fuse has been recommended by a fellow sufferer of this condition, but the reviews look a bit rubbish.

I want to wear it everyday, 24/7.

I’ve had a Google, but the HR monitoring and alarm is never the focus of ‘top 10’ posts.

Is there anything you’d recommend?

[dannyk13]

There a plenty to check out here:-
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wrist-Heart-Rate-Monitor/s?k=Wrist+Heart+Rate+Monitor

[LittleSquidge]

Thanks, dannyk13, as an avid Prime user I’ve had a browse there already.

The issue is they’re not immediately clear whether they offer the alarm and are more focussed on ‘heart rate during workout’.

I was hoping someone with the same intention as I may have found a good one.

[woofgang]

Are you a member of any CFS forums or groups? you might ask there....also when I have found I needed to do that kind of research for another condition, the american groups were much more useful than the UK ones, it seemed because they don't have the NHS so are more used to sourcing their own small medical stuff. As is often the case, Facebook is a good starting point.

[woofgang]

you might also look here...apologies if you know this website already https://meassociation.org.uk

[LittleSquidge]

Thank you woofgang!

I’ve posted in two international Facebook groups, but I’ve only had recommendations for the Mio Flex so far.

I’ve also looked on the big M.E. support websites, but I’ve had no luck so far.

[woofgang]

my knowledge of ME is very out of date. Is heart rate monitoring a recognised strategy?

[LittleSquidge]

There’s a link between keeping below your anaerobic threshold, and as a result, avoiding post-exertional malaise. http://www.cfsselfhelp.org/library/pacing-numbers-using-your-heart-rate-to-stay-inside-energy-envelope

[woofgang]

Have you seen this leaflet? It suggests that heart rate monitoring of the type you suggest might not be the best way to achieve pacing on the basis that unless you set the monitor REALLY low, by the time your heart rate alarm has gone off its too late and the link between heart rate and exacerbating your condition is not that instant or direct. have you thought about having something like a fitbit which won't have an alarm but which can make you more aware of your body's behaviour in a more all encompassing way.
https://www.actionforme.org.uk/uploads/pdfs/Pacing-for-people-with-me-booklet-Feb-2020.pdf