New HRM - think I'm clinically dead...

boy on bike
boy on bike Posts: 139
edited February 2009 in Commuting chat
I've just got a new bike computer (Cateye V3) which has an integrated HRM. So I've been out on a couple of rides with it, and while it seems to say something sensible most of the time, it does display some worryingly high numbers occasionally.

Today on my morning commute, it maxed at 213BPM. Given my age, my fag-packet "max heart rate" is 176... and I wasn't really going for it at the time either! Now, this leads me to a few possible conclusions:

1. I'm clinically dead and just haven't noticed yet (after all, I do work in IT :wink:)
2. I'm not dead yet but will be soon as my ticker will give out due to all this overwork.
3. I've got a super-duper fast-beating heart and I should ignore maximum heart rate recommendations
4. Something is wrong with my HRM...

So, working on 4 first as being the most likely, I did notice that the thing seems to work fine when I leave the house, then stops working as it dries out in the cold air, then starts working again as I start to get a sweat on :oops:. And, it is around this point of first re-working that it seems to go ape and register in the 200's. So it seems that this may just be a feature of the re-sticking process.

Anyone else had similar experiences? Or should I just make sure my Will is in order?
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Comments

  • whyamihere
    whyamihere Posts: 7,719
    At 44, you've had a good run. May as well just accept it. You can arrange your own funeral while your body is still twitching enough to make you appear alive.

    MHR calculations using 220-age are crap, by the way. They bear no relevance to actual heart rates, other than that it will display a general downwards trend. However, in this case, it is more likely that the HR monitor is malfunctioning. As you make reference to drying and then getting wet again, I would guess you're using water on the contacts? Try electrically conductive gel instead. You can get it in Boots, it won't dry out and should give a better contact.
  • itboffin
    itboffin Posts: 20,072
    I have three HRM all of them give me a lowest resting HR about 85-90 even first thing in the morning, my max has/does go over 200 every ride without any ill effects so far, i've been checked by the docs recently and given a clean bill of health.

    I've stopped using HRM now it was all getting a little obsessive and taking away from the enjoyment of riding.

    If you croak on Thursday can I have your bike please :wink:
    Rule #5 // Harden The Feck Up.
    Rule #9 // If you are out riding in bad weather, it means you are a badass. Period.
    Rule #12 // The correct number of bikes to own is n+1.
    Rule #42 // A bike race shall never be preceded with a swim and/or followed by a run.
  • roger_merriman
    roger_merriman Posts: 6,165
    itboffin wrote:
    I have three HRM all of them give me a lowest resting HR about 85-90 even first thing in the morning, my max has/does go over 200 every ride without any ill effects so far, i've been checked by the docs recently and given a clean bill of health.

    I've stopped using HRM now it was all getting a little obsessive and taking away from the enjoyment of riding.

    If you croak on Thursday can I have your bike please :wink:

    yup my resting ranges between 60ish to 90ish i should try seeing howing high it gets at some point.
  • chuckcork
    chuckcork Posts: 1,471
    My Polar has lately stopped working on occasion.

    No not, my heart, just the HRM.

    A good wash or at leats rinse of the chest strap however and its working fine again.

    I suggets having a look at the use and care angle, may be the problem with the intermittent working.

    As to you max HR, I've got up to 206 last year, based on the rule of thumb 200-age method my max should however be only 184. That you get higher is just your physiology, but if concerned take it to your doctor.
    'Twas Mulga Bill, from Eaglehawk, that caught the cycling craze....
  • cjcp
    cjcp Posts: 13,345
    I maxed out at 240bpm today. While I was sitting down at my desk.

    A splash of water on the strap and a re-adjustment of the strap and we're back to normal.

    Try taking the battery out of the strap and re-setting it?
    FCN 2-4.

    "What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
    "It stays down, Daddy."
    "Exactly."
  • itboffin
    itboffin Posts: 20,072
    cjcp wrote:
    I maxed out at 240bpm today. While I was sitting down at my desk.

    A splash of water on the strap and a re-adjustment of the strap and we're back to normal.

    Try taking the battery out of the strap and re-setting it?

    Why are you taking your pulse at your desk? :roll:

    Freak :P
    Rule #5 // Harden The Feck Up.
    Rule #9 // If you are out riding in bad weather, it means you are a badass. Period.
    Rule #12 // The correct number of bikes to own is n+1.
    Rule #42 // A bike race shall never be preceded with a swim and/or followed by a run.
  • cjcp
    cjcp Posts: 13,345
    It was just before I left the office for the ride home :)
    FCN 2-4.

    "What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
    "It stays down, Daddy."
    "Exactly."
  • sbsmac
    sbsmac Posts: 21
    I maxed out at 240bpm today. While I was sitting down at my desk.

    Doesn't your IT dept have any policy about what you're allowed to look at on the internet? :lol:

    Back on topic... despite a supposed max hr of 178, my cateye claims that I regularly cruise at 171 and have hit 209 whilst sprinting. So far I appear not to be dead....
  • DiggingDeeper
    DiggingDeeper Posts: 225
    I've got a V3 as well and it does give me iffy readings at times, similar to yours. It has calmed down now (mostly). I would be concerned if it does it all the time (not for your heart, the computer I mean).

    It took me some time to get all 3 gadgets tuned in, mybe this is an issue. Good old IT resonse, reboot it
    [1]Ribble winter special
    [2] Trek 5200 old style carbon
    [3] Frankensteins hybrid FCN 8
  • andy83
    andy83 Posts: 1,558
    think its just problems with interferance like when speedos go mad

    i have been sitting on laptop and hr shot to 236 and my resting is 55-60 lol

    watches and bike computers can give erratic readings when low on battery, replaced one in polar watch and all is fine
  • Christophe3967
    Christophe3967 Posts: 1,200
    I have the same thing occasionally with my Polar bike specific HRM - not sure of the model - going of the scale, and also not registering a reading. Its irritating, but I think there would be other clues if I was in real trouble...
    Bike1
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/35118936@N07/3258551288/
    Bike 2
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/35118936@N ... otostream/
    New Bike
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/35118936@N07/3479300346/
  • boy on bike
    boy on bike Posts: 139
    I better wetted my HRM sensor today and it seemed much more sensible, without any patches of not responding. Still hit 177 max, but that was going up a hill this time (fast, trying to catch Linsen who had sneakily taken the correct left turn while ITB & I missed it :evil: ).

    So I think my portents of my own demise (at least though imminent cardiac arrest) may have been a little premature...
    Road - FCN3

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  • biondino
    biondino Posts: 5,990
    Just took my resting heart-rate. 50bpm! Never been that slow, even when I was properly fit. Admittedly, I've barely even moved in an hour and a half.
    My Focus / My Bob Jackson
    Blog (incl. bikes)
  • itboffin
    itboffin Posts: 20,072
    Not sure why but I bought yet another HRM/speedo today.
    Rule #5 // Harden The Feck Up.
    Rule #9 // If you are out riding in bad weather, it means you are a badass. Period.
    Rule #12 // The correct number of bikes to own is n+1.
    Rule #42 // A bike race shall never be preceded with a swim and/or followed by a run.
  • chuckcork
    chuckcork Posts: 1,471
    itboffin wrote:
    Not sure why but I bought yet another HRM/speedo today.

    Worst thing about being unemployed and relying on the missus to bring in an income is the lack of discretionary spending on pointless items I don't need. Shes the only one allowed to do it now. :cry:

    Not fair!
    'Twas Mulga Bill, from Eaglehawk, that caught the cycling craze....
  • itboffin
    itboffin Posts: 20,072
    chuckcork wrote:
    itboffin wrote:
    Not sure why but I bought yet another HRM/speedo today.

    Worst thing about being unemployed and relying on the missus to bring in an income is the lack of discretionary spending on pointless items I don't need. Shes the only one allowed to do it now. :cry:

    Not fair!

    :lol:

    Mrs ITB spends her own money on herself I pay the bills working or otherwise.
    Rule #5 // Harden The Feck Up.
    Rule #9 // If you are out riding in bad weather, it means you are a badass. Period.
    Rule #12 // The correct number of bikes to own is n+1.
    Rule #42 // A bike race shall never be preceded with a swim and/or followed by a run.
  • boy on bike
    boy on bike Posts: 139
    itboffin wrote:
    Not sure why but I bought yet another HRM/speedo today.

    ooh ooh! Whatdidyou get?
    Road - FCN3

    Town - FCN8

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