Fenix 7 hrv accuracy ? I should basically be dead everyday.

I have had the Fenix 7 for over a year.  Never paid attention to hrv status, till I did.  I am unbalanced almost ever single day for basically months on end. It's super low. 38, 35, 28, 39, etc etc 

It freaked me out so bad. I trained hard last year, and have backed down to be more "normal" in my training.  I sleep good, I feel good, my energy is good, my workouts feel good, both lifting and cardio. 

Alcohol definitely effects it some when I do have some drinks. But even then it's one or two, a ton of water and a good night's rest. 

My cardiologist nurse practioner chick didn't really even know what it was. But should I be concerned ? This watch and what it tells me gives me anxiety and stress. Nothing else does. 

I am 44. Not ripped. But not dad bod. I have been an exercise guy for over 20 yrs, and healthier than moat people around me at any given time.  People consider me healthy and in great shape. 

Anyone else experience this? Do I need to go to the hospital ? Like what the heck?

  • HRV is VERY individual, and there is no such thing as a "normal" range. In my running club people tend to compare stats all the time, and ive seen HRV ranges from 20-140 in numerous runners. 

    But what you should pay attention to is the trend of your 'Normal range' over several days; ex. My range is usually 55-70 but when im getting sick, overtrain, drinking alcohol or just having a real tough interval session my HRV is absolutely shattered the next day. That information tells me my body needs rest. 

    My cardiologist said absolutely the same thing as your nurse - they dont really care that much about HRV at all. But if you are worried, get an ecg.


  • It's super low. 38, 35, 28, 39, etc etc 

    We do not know what your HRV is. Do a lab test, and you will see. That's the only way to see whether the watch misleads you or not.

  • There are published norms for HRV but as usual they are averages for any particular population - https://elitehrv.com/normal-heart-rate-variability-age-gender. Watches should not be used to determine whether or not a visit to a medical practitioner is required. Although they might be indicative of a problem, there are also other factors that need to be considered such as how the watch is being worn or other lifestyle factors that might have affected the outcome. 

    Long story short, if you feel you have health issues seek out a medical practitioner but I'd suggest avoid using the watch to determine your health.

  • My range is in the low 40's.  Again with me thinking I am pretty elite in comparison to the general population, it's bothersome. I had an ecg recently and they said I was fine and healthy.  So don't worry about it then? and ECG is the same thing?

  • What lab test do I ask for?

  • Thanks, I appreciate that.  I know even my HR monitor is so damn finnicking.  I have to mess with my wirst for 5 minutes to me sure it reads accurate.  If I am 1 mm off, my damn HR is 30 beats off.  that probably has something to do with it and makes me feel better.

  • I can say that the HRV is working well for me.
    On the day of my heart surgery, the HRV was low.

    After that, I started to recover. Step by step.

  • that's awesome! yea, I just figured out the biggest piece to my puzzle.  I went back over the last 16 months of data.  I have a 6 month period, all balanced and in the green.  in the upper 40's through the upper 50's. I wasn't drinking during that period.  I started having a few drinks again regularly and my hrv IMMEDIATELY went down. and has been in the 30's for 3 months.  Wow.  Stopping drinking again, NOW.  what a mind blower.

  • That's exactly the reason why I'm almost abstinent. But I don't even have to check my HRV, one beer in the evening and I have very bad sleep, my heart is strongly beating... So if I want beer, I go just after the work and I can burn it till evening and then it's ok. 

    Two weeks ago, I drink 6 beers and 1 rum. The watch thought I'm dead and I feel almost like this Grin. You can see it in the chart.

  • "cardiologist nurse practioner chick"

    Are you for real?