We recently tested the new Coros Pace Pro, the latest GPS sports watch from Garmin's biggest competitor. In addition to its AMOLED screen and access to mapping, the watch has integrated a new electrical heart rate sensor, in addition to an optical heart rate sensor, clearly visible on the back of the case, thanks to its two large bands surrounding the other sensors and the watch's LEDs.
At Garmin, an equivalent exists on the Fenix range, as does at Polar with the Vantage V3. Watches, such as Coros, promote the equipment by talking about ECG (electrocardiogram), the name given to these electrical sensors, added in addition to the optical factors on the most premium tracking devices. Coros integrated it on the Pace Pro, but already offered it on its high-end models, such as the Apex 2 Pro and the Vertix 2S.
Two different functions for the same sensor, depending on the brand
Contrary to what one might think, integrating an ECG sensor does not necessarily mean that watches provide access to monitoring of atrial fibrillation, to prevent heart problems. At Coros and Polar, their integration seeks to improve an important piece of data for athletes: heart rate variability (HRV), much more precise when measured with an ECG than with an optical heart sensor.
What is the point of knowing your HRV? Measured at night, and generally presented in its average value during our sleep cycle, heart rate variability provides an overview of our state of fitness or fatigue. For athletes, a period of overwork tends to make our heartbeats very regular, which is unfortunately not good news. Over a minute, the ECG measures the irregularities between each beat, and the higher this measurement, the more it will indicate good physical condition.
At Garmin and Apple, the electrical heart sensor focuses on atrial fibrillation (also called atrial fibrillation). As part of supraventricular rhythm disorders, it is one of the most common heart disorders, which it is important to prevent for a watch monitoring our health. Some have made it their business model, as is the case of the French brand Withings, with its watches, scales or even its all-in-one device BeamO.
The next time you choose a GPS sports watch, take care to understand what the presence of an ECG sensor has to do with the model. And if you are hesitant to equip yourself with a heart rate belt or an armband, like at Coros, know that these accessories will indeed allow you to obtain much more precise measurements on the heart rate during the day, during exercise. For resting HR and HRV, watches are increasingly reliable and precise, and can be sufficient in themselves.
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