Abnormal Heart Rate Readings

Question

Level 1

6 points

Abnormal Heart Rate Readings

Hello,

I like to wear my Apple Watch during the night as well as during the day (I recharge at dusk and dawn). Today, I went into my Heart Rate readings in the Health app on my iPhone and found very abnormal readings of my heart rate. For example, when I was sleeping at about 3am, my heart rate suddenly jumped to 215 bpm, right after a calm 85bpm? Or, when I was doing absolutely nothing, my heart rate was 202bpm?

I have already tried the instructions at this link. My Apple Watch is snug and comfortable on my left wrist, I don't sweat a lot (little to none during sleep), I don't wear tattoos, etc. The heart rate glance can get a reading, and some times it "seems accurate" but at other times in the Health app when I'm in deep sleep my heart rate is over 200, for no good reason.

I believe I don't have any health conditions that can warrant such high readings. In fact, when I'm really tired and cycling on my bike, the reading is usually 132 bpm or something like that.

Any tips on how to avoid such abnormal readings?

-----

iPhone 5s, iOS 9.3.2

Apple Watch, watchOS 2.2.1

Apple Watch, watchOS 2.2.1, 38mm, sport

Posted on Jun 14, 2016 9:31 AM

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Answer 1

Jonathan UK

Level 10

164,015 points

Jun 14, 2016 10:05 AM in response to adihaya

Hi

As mentioned in the support article that you referenced, even under ideal conditions, Apple Watch may not be able to record a reliable heart rate reading every time for everyone. Besides fit and tattoos, other factors that can affect the sensor's performance include skin perfusion and motion.

In terms of tips for the best performance from the sensor, you have already taken the best step in checking that you are wearing your watch with a good fit.

Otherwise, whilst it may not help (and assuming that the readings are inaccurate), it certainly will not hurt to try restarting your watch:

Restart your Apple Watch - Apple Support

On the same basis, you could also unpair and re-pair your watch, choosing to Restore from Backup during setup:

Note also that Apple Watch, the heart rate sensor and the included apps are not medical devices and are intended for fitness purposes only.

More information:

Your heart rate. What it means, and where on Apple Watch you’ll find it. - Apple Support(as linked in your question)

https://help.apple.com/watch/#/apdcf2ff54e9

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Answer 2

Jonathan UK

Level 10

164,015 points

Jun 14, 2016 10:11 AM in response to adihaya

if you would like to let Apple know about your issue, you can submit feedback here:

https://www.apple.com/feedback/watch.html

If you would prefer to have your watch checked for any manufacturing defect (under warranty, if eligible), contact Apple Support with a view to arranging that:

To check warranty status:

https://checkcoverage.apple.com/

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Answer 3

Jun 14, 2016 1:25 PM in response to adihaya

Hi,

Since you have already tried the suggestions at that link you can get more help on Twitter: @AppleSupport

You can also provide feedback to Apple > http://www.apple.com/feedback/watch.html

If necessary, you can start a service request with Apple here > Apple - Support - Service Answer Center

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