I really like my new Vivosmart 4, but I do have questions. For example, what effect (in general terms) on the readings is likely to arise from taking a beta blocker, which affects heart rate? My doctor can address the effects of the drug from a medical perspective, but I can't expect her to know anything about Garmin's algorithm. Since the drug affects both heart rate and heart rate variability, I would expect some impact on the "stress" and "body battery" readings (and perhaps others) may be likely.
If the beta blocker affects heart rate and heart rate variability, it will have an affect on the accuracy of the stress and body battery features. There are other features such as intensity minutes and advance sleep metrics that can be affected as well. It is not a medical device, as there are many variables that can affect the accuracy of the optical heart rate sensor, such as placement of the device, tightness, etc. However you may still get accurate heart rate readings and have no issues with the data accuracy. I understand that you have consulted your doctor, but she may know more about the affects of beta blockers and readings from optical heart rate sensors.
Kara, thank you for your response, it is helpful. To be clear, I don't regard this as a shortcoming of the Vivosmart 4. The device is reporting what's going on in my body, but people like me who are taking certain kinds of medications such as beta blockers may need to interpret the results differently. As time goes on, and as Garmin gets more data on more people, perhaps it will be possible to provide more guidance in that regard. For example, perhaps the absolute level of the body batter may be affected, but not the general pattern or trend each day. (That's just a hypothetical example of some guidance that, with more data, it may be possible to offer.)
One area of particular interest to me is the sleep pulse ox readings. I would not expect beta blockers to affect that. Again, I understand it is not a medical device, but based on my personal experience thus far, I suspect that it may provide a valuable indication of when it may be appropriate to discuss with one's physician whether to get a more formal sleep study. I'm also finding it a good motivator regarding exercise routine. sleep habits, etc.
While Garmin may be able to provide more extensive general information in the future, it would also be nice to be able to consult with professionals who are able (for a fee, of course) to help individuals interpret and use the data. It would be nice if there were some sort of directory or network of professionals in various cities (doctors, personal trainers, etc.) who are able to do this. I can imagine that there may be business or legal constraints on what Garmin can do in this regard, but I offer it as a suggestion for consideration.
Hi. I'm so glad you asked that question. I found the Vivo 2 that I bought my wife several years ago. She never used it. I recently set it up for myself. The problem, as you said, is the data for the heart. While on a beta blocker it slows the heart rate down. In my case fairly significantly. I'm not as in good of shape as I was several years ago. The problem with it then was even worse. I wish there was a way to factor in the slower heart rate. You maybe working at an exertion of zone 3, but your heart rate says zone 2. Ugh! Makes me feel like I'm slacking lol. My poor legs say otherwise. I wish there was a way to adjust the zones to compensate for the blocker. Right now it is based on a percentage of your max HR and that is based on age. Therefore I can't adjust the zones. Good luck. Hopefully there will be a solution. Take care. Bob
