Can A Fib mess up Heart Rate Monitors when Exercising ?

I took an agility test - the nurse told me I was in afib at the time and i failed the heart rate testing.  It went too high on my 3rd task.  I am a very fit 49 year old so that is why i ask.  

Can heart rate monitors work on people when in afib?  Or will ur heart rate be too rapid upon the start of exercise?

Thank you in advance,
Jim

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

AFib could occur intermittently and if the heart rate monitor is not customized for abnormal rhythm detection, the heart rate may be perceived as abnormally high, abnormally low or nil; depending on how it is customized to pick up heart beat. An abnormally high heart rate does not always mean AFib or arrythmia, though AFib is the most common of the arrhythmias. However this would suggest an evaluation by a cardiologist to check for the status of the heart and appropriate management, if required.
Hope this helps.

Take care!

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

AFib could occur intermittently and if the heart rate monitor is not customized for abnormal rhythm detection, the heart rate may be perceived as abnormally high, abnormally low or nil; depending on how it is customized to pick up heart beat. An abnormally high heart rate does not always mean AFib or arrythmia, though AFib is the most common of the arrhythmias. However this would suggest an evaluation by a cardiologist to check for the status of the heart and appropriate management, if required.
Hope this helps.

Take care!

[Jfreelon]

Hi Dr. - thank you for ur reply.  
I have been reading allot on this, and ur expert option seems to match what I have been reading.  I am relieved to see an expert confirm this for me thank you again.

J. Freelon