My Heart Rate Monitor Strap is Reporting Erratic Data

Incorrect or erratic heart rate data originates in the heart rate monitor (HRM) and not in the device. Below are some tips and steps you can try to resolve the issue.

Tips to Eliminate Erratic Heart Rate Data

• Run the strap under water before putting it on. This helps maintain the electrical connection between your body and the strap in cold or windy environments, or at times when you may not be producing enough perspiration, try to maintain the moisture on the electrodes using water.

  • Garmin does not recommend using electrode gel.

• Make sure the strap is worn snugly and not sliding down your body.

• Warm up for 5–10 minutes before an activity.

• Try wearing a cotton shirt. If you wear a shirt with synthetic fabrics, it can rub or flap against the HRM creating static electricity which can interfere with HR signals. If you decide to wear a "tech" shirt, wetting your shirt may help.

• Avoid strong electromagnetic fields and 2.4 GHz wireless sensors, such as high voltage power lines, microwave ovens, 2.4 GHz cordless phones, and other wireless access points.

Possible Causes of Erratic Heart Rate Data

• Improper care of your HRM can cause permanent damage. Review the HRM Care Document for further clarification.

• Medicine (such as beta-blockers) and medical devices (such as pacemakers or implantable cardiac defibrillators) could potentially interfere with HRM readings. Consult a physician regarding this and discuss solutions.

• For HRMs that have a removable module (like the HRM-Dual) ensure the module is cleaned and dried regularly after use to avoid the buildup of rust and corrosion. Also, ensure that while wearing the strap, the module and strap are in the correct orientation. The Garmin logos on the strap and module should be right-side-up while wearing the strap.

• If the electrodes are allowed to dry out, the strap may lose the heart rate signal and possibly lock onto your running cadence instead.

Being aware of these tips and the causes for erratic HRM data will help ensure the best possible experience when using an HRM strap.