How Heart Rate Monitor Apps Are Helping?

on
July 21, 2023

As people become increasingly conscious of their health, the demand for advanced fitness devices like heart rate monitor apps is increasing. Earlier, people could only get their heart rates monitored and read by visiting medical facilities. But the advancement in technology has made it widely available to fitness enthusiasts and people mandatorily required to track heart rate because of particular health concerns.

Modern and advanced heart rate monitors are now wearable and comparatively affordable, making them easily accessible to the masses. If you are contemplating investing in a heart rate checker, this article will help you make an informed decision. This article features all the essential information you should know about a heart rate monitor, so ensure you read until the end.

What is a Heart Rate Monitor?

A heart rate monitor is a sophisticated device that detects and monitors your heart or pulse rate. Most heart rate monitors are available in the form of wearable, making it easier to track your heart rate 24*7. You can connect these devices to a heart rate app that will display the heart rate or pulse rate for easy and quick understanding. The best part of these monitors is their high accuracy levels. Although these monitors are great for personal use, one should not view them as a replacement for advanced medical devices used by healthcare professionals for tracking heart rate.

How does the Heart Rate Monitor Work?

If you want to track and be informed of your instant heart rate, it is crucial to pick the right monitor. The market offers plenty of heart rate monitors, and every model relies on a distinct working model. Explore the working method of different types of heart rate monitors listed below to pick the suitable model based on your requirement.

  • Chest-Band Devices

These devices rely primarily on electrical detection to track the heart rate. A band around your chest detects electrical activity, picking up the heart rate. The chest band must be wet if you want to use chest-band devices for heart rate monitoring. You may be asked to use a conductive gel where the device sensors touch your skin to pick up the heart rate. Conductive gel or water improves electrical conduction, making it easier for the monitor to accurately detect your heart’s electrical current.

  • Wrist or Forearm-Worn Wearables

If you want to track and display heart rate on phone, you should go with a wrist or forearm-worn wearable. Two significant arteries are present in your wrist and forearm. The ulnar artery runs toward the ring and little fingers, and the radial artery runs toward your thumb. Both these arteries provide enough blood flow to the skin’s surface of your forearm and wrist. Since wearable heart rate monitors have LEDs and sensors resting against the skin area, detecting tiny expansions of blood vessels underneath the skin's surface becomes easier. It is how the devices detect and track your heart rate.

  • Pulse Oximeters

You can use a pulse oximeter by clipping it onto a finger. These small devices use the optical detection method to detect heart rate. A pulse oximeter can detect both blood oxygen levels and track pulse rate. Although these devices are standard in hospitals, battery-powered pulse oximeters are now being used for personal use outside medical facilities.

  • Smart Rings

People wear smart rings on their fingers like a piece of jewellery. Similar to pulse oximeters, smart rings also use optical detection to accurately detect and track your heart rate and other vital signs. Since these devices are relatively new, there’s limited data on their result accuracy.

  • Smartphone Apps

A smartphone app is one of the most convenient methods of tracking heart rate. Many smartphone applications across different platforms can accurately measure the heart’s pulse. While some use optical detection by holding your finger to the camera lens, others use the camera to detect pulse rate. If you want to detect heart rate on phone, this is the best option to rely on.

Now that you’re aware of the different methods used by various device types to detect and track heart rate, you can pick whatever device you feel uses more reliable heart rate detection technology. Pay special attention to the brand and reviews to increase your chances of selecting the best heart rate monitor.

Applications of Heart Rate Monitor Apps

A heart rate monitor app offers plenty of features that make peoples’ lives easier. It is why heart rate tracking has become one of the biggest features offered by numerous wearable devices like fitness trackers and fitness smartwatches. Some of the top uses of these monitors include:

  • Monitoring vital signs at home
  • Tracking heart rate during exercise
  • Tracking sleep quality at night
  • Monitoring activity and stress levels during the day

These are some top applications of a heart rate monitor app. Once you start using it, you can explore more ways to make the most of these applications.

How do They Benefit the Public?

A heart rate checker is one the biggest and most valuable features that benefit the public, especially people with particular health concerns. Some of the common ways they are helping the public are:

  • When you track your heart rate during workouts, you can easily maintain the desired levels of ideal heart rate. It enables people to workout smarter, not harder. You can use tracking during the workout to determine when to slow down, speed up, or take a break to stabilise the heart rate.
  • Through constant heart rate monitoring, you will know when to adjust your activity levels to keep your heart rate within healthy levels.
  • With proper heart rate tracking, you will know whether you are burning fat or muscles during a workout. It can become counterintuitive if you’re exercising regularly to get in shape. Always use a heart rate monitor to ensure you’re keeping the heart rate within optimised levels. You start burning muscles if the heart rate exceeds the maximum limit for an extended period.
  • Knowing the ideal heart rate can help you achieve your fitness goals faster. You can discuss it with your certified fitness trainer or healthcare provider, then start tracking the heart rate continually for the best results.

These are some ways in which the tracker benefits the public in general. But you can always find more ways to use these devices to your benefit.

Make the Most of Heart Rate Monitor Apps to Achieve Fitness Goals

Tracking your heart rate during the workout or other parts of the day can help you achieve your fitness goals. Once you’re aware of healthy heart rate levels and ways to track them, staying fit becomes less challenging. But since not all heart rate monitors provide accurate readings, we suggest doing enough research before picking the suitable device. Looking for customer reviews, brand’s reputation, price, and other relevant aspects can help choose the right heart rate monitor. Start tracking your heart rate today and take a step towards a healthy life.