Heart Rate Monitor, Fitness Watch, Wireless Heart Rate Monitor

Heart rate, or pulse, is the number of times a heart beats per minute, and a normal heart rate varies from one individual to another. It can be an important gauge to keep the heart healthy. The rate and regularity of a person’s pulse can change as aging occurs, and it may signify a heart condition or other condition that needs to be addressed.

The best places to find the pulse are at the wrists, inside the elbows, the side of the neck, and on top of the feet. To get an accurate pulse reading, put two fingers over the pulse site and count the number of beats in 60 seconds.

Resting heart rate is the heart pumping the lowest amount of blood needed while not exercising. Normal heart rate is between 60-100 beats per minute, while sitting, laying down, relaxed and not ill. A heart rate lower than 60 does not usually mean there is a medical problem. It could be the result of taking certain drugs. A lower heart rate is also common for those who are very athletic. Because their heart muscle is in better condition, active people often have lower heart rates. This means the heart does not need to work as hard to maintain a steady beat. Moderate physical activity does not usually change the resting heart rate significantly.

What is a Heart Rate Monitor?

A heart rate monitor is a monitoring device that allows a person to measure their heart rate in real time. It can also be recorded to study at a later time. Fitness is not just about the amount of exercise obtained. It is also about the intensity level of the exercise, so it is not too high and not too low. A heart rate monitor is a useful tool to find that desired target zone of heart beats per minute. It is also a pacer, telling when to speed up or slow down to achieve the results wanted out of the workout.

What are the Different Types of Heart Rate Monitors?

A chest strap model has a wireless sensor on a strap to detect the pulse electronically. It sends the data to a wristwatch style receiver that displays the heart rate. A basic model times the workout and gives continuous average, low and high heart rate data. An advanced model can send a coded signal to prevent other monitors from interfering with an individual’s data. A heart rate monitor can pair up with a foot pod that attaches to the shoelaces. This type can track speed, distance and cadence. Some have GPS receiver capabilities to track distance, speed and elevation, while they also save previous course information, and mark or find locations.

A strapless model has a sensor built into the wrist unit’s watchband or case-back to detect the pulse. Strapless models tend to be less accurate than chest strap models, and they do not pair up with distance and speed sensors. But, strapless models do not have the discomfort and wireless interference that is sometimes associated with chest straps.

Who uses a Heart Rate Monitor?

*Before starting any exercise program, consult a physician.

Recreational exercisers, joggers and walkers can benefit from a heart rate monitor in the same way an athlete can. Exercise time can be more beneficial by aiming for fat-burning and aerobic target zones on a heart rate monitor.

A heart rate monitor can help runners stay in their peak target zone on intense training days. During easier sessions, it can help them stay at their aerobic base.

Cyclists can use a heart rate monitor to track their training performance during tempo, endurance and interval rides. It does not matter if the cycling is on a trail, a road, or a stationary trainer. Some models can deliver more feedback through a foot pod or a cadence sensor.

Climbers, hikers and skiers use a heart rate monitor to get conditioned more effectively for a peak ascent.

A heart rate monitor can help weight-loss participants with regular exercise and a sustainable dietary plan. Most monitors display calories burned during a workout. Many can help target the exercise for maximum fat burning.

Those recovering from an injury or an illness, including a cardiac incident, find heart rate monitors valuable because of their real-time feedback. This data can help ensure that a gradual return to full strength and endurance continues safely and steadily.

What is a Pulse Oximeter?

A pulse oximeter for home use is a lightweight, small monitor that attaches to a fingertip painlessly to monitor the amount of oxygen carried in the body. Generally, a normal oxygen level is greater than 95%. A low oxygen level is suggested at 92% or less. Besides oxygen level, a pulse rate is displayed.

A pulse oximeter is a useful tool for those with COPD or asthma to assist with their oxygen management at home under a physician’s guidance. Monitoring oxygen saturation levels will help individuals adjust their oxygen flow at home, at work and during exercise. It can also help the doctor decide if the COPD or asthma is getting worse.

Often, more oxygen is needed during physical activity, which can include daily living activities. When traveling on an airplane, more oxygen is often needed. The duration of an individual’s oxygen supply can be increased by learning the lowest flow rate on a portable oxygen device to provide their target oxygen saturation. This allows for more time away from home, more time between refills, and more confidence that the device has enough oxygen in it.

How does a Pulse Oximeter Work?

The lungs transfer oxygen from the air into the bloodstream, and this oxygenated blood is then pumped by the heart to all the organ systems. A pulse oximeter, usually attached to the finger, shines two separate light beams into the blood that is circulating in the small vessels. These light beams indicate the amount of oxygen in the blood, which is expressed as a percentage. The pulse rate is also reported.

Accurate measurements by a pulse oximeter require good blood flow through the tissues. Blood flow is reduced when the fingers are cold, causing a poor or abnormal reading. Warming the hands with warm water or by rubbing them together can help improve blood flow. Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues and this may result in the pulse oximeter to falsely suggest the oxygen level is satisfactory. Artificial nails and/or dark nail polish may affect the oximeter’s performance.

When to take action?

If the oxygen saturation rate drops below 90%, a variety of symptoms may begin to occur. These symptoms can encompass increased shortness of breath with activity, headaches, increased heart work causing the pulse rate to increase, clumsiness, the presence of bluish lips or nail beds, and confusion. Seek medical help if you have any of these symptoms, even if your oxygen saturation is normal.

Rehabmart is pleased to offer high quality heart rate monitors from renowned vendors, such as North Coast, Responsive Respiratory Inc. and Health Mark Inc.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

lb