First time poster. I am an experienced youngish distance runner. Last weekend, I experienced a scary Ventricular Tachycardia event at the end of a long run that landed me in the hospital for 6 days. Long story short: I now have a subcutaneous ICD implanted but my doctors say I can continue to run once recovered! It was my fitness that helped me survive something that was quite lethal and they want me to remain just as healthy as I’ve been.
My question: While I have a device that will help me if I experience dangerous arrhythmia again, I would also like to take extra precaution. I know the apple watch has the afib detector, but I am an Android user and don’t want to purchase a new watch and a new phone. I currently use a Garmin 245 and am happy with it for the most part (although, the HRM was not able to read my V-tach and shows no record of my accelerated heart rate). Does anyone have any insight into the new Garmin ECG app? I know the Samsung Galaxy watch also has an afib detector, but does it perform well for long distance runs like marathons? Appreciate any insight, thanks!
I’m an RN with a year’s experience on a cardio surgical floor (not very long) so I might offer some insight. Glad you’re ok! (Also definitely ask your team about this and don’t take this as medical advice)
But VT and Afib are very different things. In VT yes your heart is going very fast but it’s still in a “regular” rhythm where afib is irregular which is what a watch looks for so imo an afib detection watch might not pick it up properly. If you don’t have one, picking up a chest strap monitor that pairs with your watch would do a better job of picking it up than a wrist based monitor such as your watch. That way if your heart speeds up without good reason you can take a walk break before you enter VT hopefully and feel a jolt from your ICD.
This said be careful and keep in contact with your team and stay safe!