HT204641: Update the software on your Apple Watch

Learn about Update the software on your Apple Watch
Carth007

Q: My heart rate fluctuates when out walkingq

When using the workout app, my heart rate fluctuates all the way from 86bpm to 188bpm, this so poor. What could be the problem

Posted on Jun 16, 2015 2:03 PM

Close

Q: My heart rate fluctuates when out walkingq

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Meg St._Clair,

    Meg St._Clair Meg St._Clair Jun 16, 2015 6:17 PM in response to Carth007
    Level 9 (59,201 points)
    iPhone
    Jun 16, 2015 6:17 PM in response to Carth007

    The first things to try would be tightening the strap and/or moving it a bit further up your arm from your wrist.

  • by Carth007,

    Carth007 Carth007 Jun 17, 2015 12:19 AM in response to Carth007
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 17, 2015 12:19 AM in response to Carth007

    Tried that, so basically I paid £500 for a Casio digital watch, back to using my polar watch

  • by Meg St._Clair,

    Meg St._Clair Meg St._Clair Jun 17, 2015 5:19 AM in response to Carth007
    Level 9 (59,201 points)
    iPhone
    Jun 17, 2015 5:19 AM in response to Carth007

    Carth007 wrote:

     

    Tried that, so basically I paid £500 for a Casio digital watch, back to using my polar watch

    Or, you could do some troubleshooting. Or you could take the watch in and have it evaluated for warranty service.

  • by Lawrence Finch,

    Lawrence Finch Lawrence Finch Jun 17, 2015 8:07 AM in response to Carth007
    Level 8 (38,076 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 17, 2015 8:07 AM in response to Carth007

    Carth007 wrote:

     

    When using the workout app, my heart rate fluctuates all the way from 86bpm to 188bpm, this so poor. What could be the problem

    Have you considered the possibility that your heart rate DOES fluctuate from 86 bpm to 188 bpm? The high value could be a symptom of undiagnosed atrial fibrillation, especially if it only lasts for a few seconds.

     

    The other possibility is that you are using your arm heavily during your workout, and the watch is jarred or moved while taking its readings. As it uses reflected light to detect blood flow this will throw off the reading.