Vivoactive 5 HR low when running

I bought my Vivoactive 5 in December after getting tired of my Fitbit Inspire 3 never tracking my HR properly during exercise.

For weeks now (around the time of the update) - my Vivoactive is massively out on HR tracking during runs. I'm using the 5K Coach and this happens will basically all runs now.

Once in my running pace, it'll often get stuck aroma nd 115-120 and just stay there. On longer runs it has in occasion jumped up to around 150-160 (which is correct) but I've just completed a 1.6k where it never changed.

My heart isn't that good just yet.

I've been working on my running form but arms are always out at the side and swinging so I don't see how that can be the cause.

So far this is only when running all other activities track without issue. An update on this issue would be appreciated.

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0 CMclean 9 months ago

I failed to add that I used to restart mid run when this happened and it would in occasion restart with the right value but more often now there's no change and after it restarting at a totally different point in my run I prefer not to mid session anymore.

0 CMclean 9 months ago

Further to this - I've just done 10m on the tread using the treadmill setting and it never went above 98, the tread had me around 130.

I stopped, ended the activity and as I was getting off I noticed my watch face clocking 110.

This is getting incredibly frustrating.

0 Garmin-Inder 9 months ago

Hello and thank you for the post. First, we suggest reviewing this FAQ: The Heart Rate Sensor on My Garmin Watch Is Not Accurate

If this disruption persists, please provide some dates of the activities that this has occurred on and an older activity that is similar but different for heart rate data. Additionally, can you also provide this information to better assist:

May we email you?
Do we have permission to access your Connect account?
What country are you based in?

0 CMclean 9 months ago in reply to Garmin-Inder

Hey there,

I've already followed that guide, well those that apply to my case anyway and no change. I'm always regularly wiping under my wrist during sessions to keep the sensor clean.

Yes you're welcome to email me and access my Connect account.

I'm based in the UK

0 CMclean 8 months ago in reply to Garmin-Inder

When can I expect a contact please?

0 Garmin-Inder 8 months ago in reply to CMclean

I've sent you an email.

0 socorsu 8 months ago

Or this is the same siutation like all models actually

https://forums.garmin.com/sports-fitness/running-multisport/f/forerunner-265-series/362213/heartrate-so-inaccurate-that-my-watch-is-basically-useless-for-training

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Garmin said

We are currently tracking an issue where heart rate data is suddenly spiking or dropping, but that report does not including cycling activities (it's for walk/run/hike activities).

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the last thread from FR265, this is the same for all FRx55/FRx65/I2/F7/E2 ...

0 6679283 8 months ago in reply to socorsu

I have had identical heart rate problems with my new Vivoactive 5 purchased 3 weeks ago. The watch shows regular dropouts and spikes as reported for the F 265 during outdoor walks or indoor cycling. The dropouts would show heart rate low by up to 30 bpm, and then recover after a while to the expected value, and then repeat the problem. I compared my watch heart rate with my Garmin HRM Dual strap and a Polar OH1 armband. The strap and armband were virtually and consistent with my result over the past 3-4 years with other Garmin devices. My watch was clean and properly fitted. I returned and exchanged my Vivoactive 5 a few days ago, and the replacement had not shown dropouts yet but I have only done a few activities so far

0 MrSquatchy 8 months ago in reply to 6679283

Do you have an update on this? I'm wondering if I should be contacting garmin as I'm seeing similar low avg heart rate and sudden drops after hitting high heart rates while exercising.

0 6679283 8 months ago in reply to MrSquatchy

I returned my initial vivoactive5 to the place of purchase for an exchange, and the second one has not had any problems at all. The first one was clearly defective.