Funky heart rate (meter data?) during high intensity intervals

[geordanh]

Hey guys.

So I will start with the obvious: I've got an upcoming appointment with my GP so I'm going to ask him about the below while I'm there just in case there's any real health concern. That box is checked.

That said, I'm wondering if any of you have had similar experiences when looking at your heart rate meter data during high intensity intervals

Here's about a 5 minute snapshot of a recent ride around threshold:

https://flic.kr/p/RvA7o8

Heart rate data looks smooth and fine.

Here's a snapshot (also 5 mins) from the same ride during a vo2 max interval:

https://flic.kr/p/QsFihk

The data is really blocky, and my heart rate seems to jump around with 10-15 beats variance up or down from the average. My power readings are bouncing around a bit (just as they are in the first snapshot at threshold), but at threshold my heart rate doesn't seem nearly as sensitive to slight changes in power as it does at vo2 max.

Here's a more zoomed out view where you can see how weird and blocky the heart rate data is during the interval.

https://flic.kr/p/RGroUF

Do you guys notice the same phenomenon in your heart rate data during high intensity intervals? Wondering if I should consider buying a second heart rate monitor just to compare the data (an accuracy issue at higher bpm with what I have?) and of course the doc may have an idea whether it's something I should be worried about or not. I've looked at a few of my friend's strava data and haven't noticed the same thing so thought I'd see if anyone here has experienced anything similar.

I definitely feel like I'm about to die by the end of one of these intervals but that's pretty normal.

[Charles M]

This looks like noise (bad signal process or reception)...

What monitor do you have now?

[Ralph]

Your GP will send you to a cardiologist. Pick one who is a runner or cyclist...or both.

[Tony T]

Well, it would be a good idea to compare to another HR monitor.
Also compare your HR to: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Health...p#.WI_gBBjMzNw
AFAIK, your max HR (during intervals) s/b 220-age.
You should try to keep your HR below the max.

Originally Posted by geordanh

I definitely feel like I'm about to die by the end of one of these intervals but that's pretty normal.

You might be just doing the interval too hard, just back the power off a bit.


What App are you using for training?


.

[dem]

What device are you using to measure? Anything other than a chest strap and a dedicated device set to 1 second sampling (not "smart sampling") will be untrustworthy.

I've been using an HRM for 20 years, and my max has not varied by more than 1 or 2 bpm. And there is no harm in a fit person bouncing against their redline - it is self-limiting, you aren't going to hang out at your max for more than a few seconds due to unpleasantness.

[biker72]

Originally Posted by Ralph

Your GP will send you to a cardiologist. Pick one who is a runner or cyclist...or both.

+1
It does look a little noisy to me but a cardiologist visit is good insurance.

[geordanh]

thanks for the great feedback guys. I'm using a powertap powercal (just the heart rate function) and a garmin 510. Data looks more or less the same in connect and strava. Have a dedicated power meter for power.

I might go pickup a different brand heart rate strap and try that in the interim.

[dem]

Make sure your Garmin is set to "1 second" and not "smart sampling" too, just for consistency (I doubt it will matter, but..)

Definitely strange looking data - I have never seen that in my history.

[shovelhd]

Originally Posted by Tony T

Well, it would be a good idea to compare to another HR monitor.
Also compare your HR to: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Health...p#.WI_gBBjMzNw
AFAIK, your max HR (during intervals) s/b 220-age.
You should try to keep your HR below the max.

.

That metric does not apply to trained athletes. 220-59 is below my LTHR. My max is 193, or was 2 years ago.

OP, see a cardiologist, who may prescribe a stress test. Personally I think it's a bad HRM. Look at the Wahoo Tickr.

[Tandem Rider]

Check your batteries, DAMHIKT.

[Tony T]

Originally Posted by shovelhd

That metric does not apply to trained athletes. 220-59 is below my LTHR. My max is 193, or was 2 years ago.

OP, see a cardiologist, who may prescribe a stress test. Personally I think it's a bad HRM. Look at the Wahoo Tickr.

Good point, but when doing interval training, should one "feel like I'm about to die by the end of one of these intervals"

I ask because I just started indoor interval training a week ago, so maybe I'm not pushing myself hard enough (I'm working up a good sweat, but I don't feel overly extended)

[mg2ride]

Similar situation for a good friend. He ended up having an arrhythmia.

Getting it checked by a cardiologist is the right move!

[kramnnim]

Under $25, free shipping. http://www.buydig.com/shop/product/G...t-Rate-Monitor

[shovelhd]

Originally Posted by Tony T

Good point, but when doing interval training, should one "feel like I'm about to die by the end of one of these intervals"

I ask because I just started indoor interval training a week ago, so maybe I'm not pushing myself hard enough (I'm working up a good sweat, but I don't feel overly extended)

It depends on the interval and your fitness level. If I had a set of five, and completed four at target and fought to the finish for the last one, I called that success.

Did you complete a test, and do you think you gave it a realistic 95%?

[geordanh]

thanks guys. I just picked up a garmin. Hopefully it's the meter.