Fenix 7 max heart rate

I have exactly the same problem /question 

I have had poor experience with the HR Max auto-detection. The algorithm starts with a default value of 220-age and then increases when a qualified higher bpm period is recorded. Unfortunately, the issues around sensors (whether wrist optical or chest straps) can easily throw in a wrong HR Max.

In my case, the Epix Gen 2 gave me several times an HR Max above 175bpm. There absolutely no way this can be correct. My actual HR Max is around 163bpm.

I have used several approaches to determine my HR Max. Aside from a lab test (that I didn't do), they are all estimations:

- run your 5k ro 10k PB, take the peak HR towards the end of race and add 5 bpm

- do a field HR test (it is a little bit harder to push yourself really to the max outside of a PB challenge)

- take a threshold test. Divide the result by 80% if you are not well trained at all, 90%-92% if you are well trained. This approach gives you a big range, but provides some level of triangulation.

Keep it mind that it is possible, but not likely, that you will reach your actual HR Max during a workout. Lactic acid accumulation will limit your effort before you get there.

A bit surprisingly, if you de/train a lot, your HR Max can change by 3-7% which is quite a bit.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10688280/

The HR Max value is the key for many Garmin metrics, in particular VO2 Max which in turns is used for training status, predictions, condition, etc.

If you are not too obsessed with all these metrics, then don't worry too much.

If you monitor your data for training and you self coach, you need an accurate HR Max.

Therefore, I recommend you disable HR Max auto detection and perform a fiel test or lab test to determine your HR Max

You should not trust HR measured by the built-in wrist HR sensor. It is OK at rest but fairly unreliable when running, especially when the weather is colder. I also recommend turning automatic max HR detection off. That has messed up my HR zones more than once. 

If I may add my 2c... 

Everyone's max HR is individual. So doing 220 - age is way off in many cases. In that case trusting wrist-based HR is actually better!  In my case that theoretical max is way lower than my actual max HR. 

Fully agree with what has been said - go do a proper test and set the max HR, and turn off auto detect.

Help please. Little worried but think I am OK. 
in short did a cardio session at gym, fenix 7 solar recorded on watch a max heart rate of 160 which felt about right, Garmin connect afterwards says I reached 194.

as I am 57 years old that would be very troubling. Anyone else got knowledge of why reporting in Connect on the app is different to the watch for Max HR ? 

16868ja said:

max heart rate of 160 which felt about right, Garmin connect afterwards says I reached 194.

16868ja

View the entire graph for the activity in your Garmin Connect account. You might see the occasional spike but your average line seen in your activity will often be where you would expect it for your OHR.

I get that Chris, I am trying to see what my Max HR rate was during the session. At 57, 194 is worrying. I edited my question to help clarify, thanks  

16868ja said:

At 57, 194 is worrying.

It is unlikely your real heart rate was 194 since it came from your OHR sensor vs. a HRM strap. It is for that reason your activity averages are your best measure to determine concern unless you start to see such high numbers more and more often.