Originally Posted by
ratdog
Because on this forum, not every poster is as upfront with their health situation nor is everyone aware of the OP's health current health though there are some that may be. Either way, that is why I clarified by saying he should check with his Doctor should he not have a Cardiologist because he should really check with someone more familiar with his health history and not an open forum even though there is nothing wrong with seeing what others do.
By the way, congratulations on not needing a Cardiologist at your age, some of us are not as fortunate and some even through no fault of their own because of genetics.
Sorry, I still don't get it. The original question was:
"Trying to decide if I should get an HRM."
A HRM simply takes your pulse. Would you ask your cardio if you should take your pulse? If you should wear a watch? A HRM is a passive device and does not give any electricity to your body, it only measures the rate of electricity emanating from your body (heart). A HRM can physically do you no harm, perhaps unless the chest strap is too tight!!
An appropriate question for a cardiologist might be, "I am going to start training, and want to use zone training as measured by a HRM. What suggestions do you have for appropriate training as measured by my HRM, considering my physical condition."
And, he probably would not have a clue, and to limit his liability, would tell you to not go over 100bpm, unless he was a sports cardio.