Why use a Heart Rate Monitor?

on
July 21, 2023

With each passing day, more and more tech companies are coming up with useful gadgets that make tracking and monitoring your health more convenient. What started with smartwatches has now fully transitioned into complete health tracking devices that measure your heart rate, oxygen levels and general overall health as well. But how effective are these gadgets, and do they really work? Let’s find out.

One of the most common electronic devices that have been in use for over the years is the heart rate monitor. In recent times, heart rate monitors, aka, HRMs have become sleeker, more accurate and readily available in the market. Heart rate monitors are pieces of equipment that can detect and measure your instant heart rate and pulse at all times.

With the help of tiny sensors attached to these gadgets, they can get a reading which is displayed on the screen. Combining aesthetics and accuracy, these tiny devices can now be worn on your wrist or arm.

However, even though these gadgets are fantastic for individual use, they are in no way a replacement for medical equipment that is far more precise. Most of these devices can be wirelessly connected to your other gadgets, such as laptops and mobile phones, which makes them that much more useful.

You can monitor your heart's activity in various ways: your pulse and heart rate. Your heart rate is defined as the number of times your heart beats in one minute. Your pulse rate is the number of times your arteries dilate in one minute as a result of your heart pumping. Most of the time, the difference between your heart rate and your pulse rate is imperceptible (or the difference is very small). However, if you have a certain health condition, are taking certain medications, or are in a specific setting, it may be more difficult to feel your pulse in your arms.

There are various types of heart rate monitors and heart rate monitor apps available in the market, and they all have different use cases. Another great thing is that these monitors come with free heart rate apps that can be downloaded at zero cost or charge. Depending on the kind of device you have, you may need to use each one in a different method.

Some are designed to be worn on the wrist or forearm. The others are rings that are worn on a finger. The sensors for the chest-strap devices are built inside the strap. Depending on the method, some connect by a cable while others connect wirelessly to a gadget that you may attach to your shirt or carry in your pocket. Many of the newer models wirelessly link to your phone or another device, and others wirelessly connect to many devices at once. Read the whole instruction manual to get acquainted with the most efficient method of using your equipment and obtaining the most exact results. The majority of these devices also have websites with user forums where users can ask questions and discuss information on how these devices might be most useful to them individually.

Why Using A Heart Rate Monitor Can Be A Game Changer?

Generally, people who have severe health conditions are the ones who most commonly use heart rate checkers and pulse monitors. Still, these days, more and more people have become more health conscious and want to be aware of what’s going on inside their bodies. Using a heart rate monitor is not just beneficial for people with health conditions. Still, it can also be helpful for people who have recently been injured and are on medication, had a big surgery and are recuperating, people who work out in the gym, often run, or just people who want to make better lifestyle choices. Here’s how using a heart rate monitor can be a game changer for you.

  1. Getting regular feedback - The main reason for wearing heart rate monitors is to be able to check your pulse and heart rate 24x7. Regular feedback can help assess your health better and assess various things like recovery rate, safety etc.
  2. Ensures safety during workouts- Working out can sometimes be strenuous, and heart rate monitors have a function which sends an alert whenever your heart rate is dangerously high. A high heart rate increases the risk of getting a stroke during a workout and having a heart rate monitor can be extremely helpful.
  3. Enhances fitness levels- Exercising is effective only when done right and at the right pace. A heart rate monitor can help you figure out your pace while working out to get the most optimal results. When working out, a heart rate monitor allows you to modify your energy output to match your heart rate at the ideal level for fat burning.
  4. Additional features- These days heart rate monitors don’t just come with features. They measure your heart rate, pulse, sleep time and quality, oxygen levels in the body, and water levels. They also come with additional features like Bluetooth connectivity and heart rate monitor apps that give a detailed picture of your health.
  5. Can prevent fatal events- Having a heart rate monitor can prevent many life-threatening situations, such as heart attacks, strokes and even paralysis. Heart rate monitors are programmed to immediately send an alert at the detection of extremely high or low heart rates.

Where To Find The Best Heart Rate Monitor?

When looking for a heart rate monitor, there are several factors to consider, including functionality, features, pricing, and brand reputation. You can find some of the best heart rate monitors and heart rate monitor apps online on various e-commerce sites. Just ensure the site you choose to buy from is trusted. Heart rate monitors are available at local pharmacies and stores selling healthcare equipment. Here’s a guide that can help in determining the best heart rate monitor.

Functionality

HRMs might come in the form of watches, armbands, or chest straps. Depending on your needs, you can choose a heart rate monitor which meets your needs.

Features

Different people have different needs. Similarly, heart rate monitor apps come with different features such as constant heart rate and pulse, sharp decrease in heart rate, and monitoring oxygen levels and water levels in the body.

Price

Price is a crucial point that needs to be considered while buying heart rate monitors. It is not true that the most expensive model is the best, so choose the one that suits your needs best and is affordable.

Reviews from customers

The best way to get an honest opinion of any heart rate monitor is to check the real life customer reviews that have been left for it, as they will give you insight into how the monitor fares in real life.

To Conclude

Heart rate monitors are easy-to-use health devices for tracking your heart's activities. You may access various facts and data depending on the gadget you use. This information may help you improve your health, establish and maintain an activity plan, and do other things.

Heart rate monitors, however, are not a replacement for frequent consultations with a healthcare physician, particularly if you suspect you have a problem. You may also consult your healthcare practitioner for advice on utilising these technologies to your advantage and taking care of yourself smarter rather than harder.