Your smartwatch is lying to you

Summary

The video script discusses the discrepancies in resting heart rate readings among various wearable devices. It highlights the issue of manufacturers using different algorithms, potentially misleading users about their fitness levels. The script compares the resting heart rates measured by Fitbit, Mi Band, and Apple Watch, and explores the possibility that sleeping heart rate could be a more accurate indicator of health. It calls for standardization and transparency in how these devices measure and report resting heart rate.

Takeaways

• 📊 Different wearable devices use various algorithms to measure resting heart rate, leading to inconsistent results.
• 📉 Example: Fitbit measured 53 bpm, Mi Band 51 bpm, and Apple Watch 44 bpm for the same person, illustrating the disparity.
• 🩺 Resting heart rate is typically defined as the heart rate after about 5 minutes of inactivity while awake.
• 🔍 The lack of transparency in manufacturers' algorithms makes it difficult to understand how they calculate resting heart rate.
• 🌙 Some manufacturers, like Garmin, WHOOP, and Oura, calculate resting heart rate based on nighttime measurements.
• 😕 Nighttime heart rate measurements can be misleading, often showing lower values due to physiological changes during sleep.
• 📉 Using lowest nighttime heart rate as resting heart rate can give a false sense of fitness.
• 🤔 There's a correlation between sleeping heart rate and resting heart rate, but they're not perfectly aligned.
• 📚 Current studies indicate sleeping heart rate might be a better health indicator than daytime resting heart rate.
• 📈 Until standardized measurement methods are established, comparing heart rate values across different devices and medical recommendations remains challenging.

Q & A

What problem does the speaker highlight about wearable manufacturers?

The speaker highlights that many wearable manufacturers are providing misleading information about users' resting heart rates.

How do different wearables vary in measuring resting heart rate according to the speaker?

Different wearables use different algorithms to measure resting heart rate, leading to discrepancies in the reported values.

What are the resting heart rates reported by the speaker's Fitbit, Mi Band, and Apple Watch?

The Fitbit reported a resting heart rate of 53 bpm, the Mi Band reported 51 bpm, and the Apple Watch reported 44 bpm.

Why is there a discrepancy in the resting heart rates reported by different devices?

The discrepancy arises because different devices use different algorithms and methods, such as taking a waking measurement or a 24-hour average.

What does Dr. Rohin Francis say about the measurement of resting heart rate?

Dr. Rohin Francis explains that different devices measure heart rate using various algorithms, and earlier devices like the Fitbit used to take a 24-hour average, which could be misleading.

How is resting heart rate typically defined?

Resting heart rate is typically defined as the heart rate measured after at least five minutes of inactivity while the person is awake.

Why might manufacturers prefer to measure resting heart rate during sleep?

Measuring resting heart rate during sleep might provide more consistent and accurate readings because the person is lying still and ambient light levels are low.

What is misleading about the Oura Ring's 'lowest RHR' value?

The 'lowest RHR' value provided by the Oura Ring is misleading because it is the lowest resting heart rate value captured during the night, which may not accurately reflect the true resting heart rate.

Why do some manufacturers choose to report resting heart rate values measured at night?

Manufacturers may choose to report night-time resting heart rate values because these readings are more consistent and might flatter the user by appearing lower, encouraging positive feedback and continued use of the device.

How can users get a true reflection of their overall health regarding resting heart rate?

Users can get a true reflection of their overall health by measuring their heart rate after sitting still for five minutes, rather than relying on the resting heart rate values provided by wearables.

What does the speaker conclude about the comparison between sleeping and resting heart rate?

The speaker concludes that while sleeping heart rate might still be a good measure of health, it is currently hard to compare with traditional resting heart rate measurements due to a lack of standardization and comprehensive studies.