Ethan Rhodes
Heart rate, also known as pulse rate, is a vital sign that can be measured manually or with a device. In a hospital setting, medical professionals typically use wired heart rate monitors with multiple sensors to measure a patient's heart rate. These sensors may be patches that stick to the skin or clips that attach to a finger. Modern heart rate monitors use electrical or optical methods to record heart signals, providing real-time data on heart function. Outside of the hospital, individuals can manually check their heart rate by pressing their fingers to their wrist or neck to feel the pulse and counting the number of beats in 15 seconds, then multiplying that number by four. This method can be inaccurate, so digital fitness trackers and smartphone apps are also available for personal use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Heart rate measurement methods | Using a device, manually, or using a vital signs monitor |
| Devices | Wearable devices, smartwatches, smart bands, smartphones, smart rings, pulse oximeters, treadmills, elliptical machines, and other exercise equipment |
| Heart rate monitors | Wired or wireless, using ECG or PPG sensors |
| Heart rate | 60-100 beats per minute for healthy adults, but can vary depending on the person |
| Resting heart rate | Measure after being in a comfortable position for 5 minutes, not after exercising, experiencing stress, or consuming caffeine |
| Irregular heart rate | Bradycardia (less than 60 beats per minute) or tachycardia (more than 100 beats per minute) |
| Vital signs monitors | Small sensors attached to the body that carry information to the monitor; can measure heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, oxygen saturation, respiration rate, blood flow to the brain, and carbon dioxide levels |
| Alarms | Alert caregivers to check on the patient; may sound due to a loose sensor or a vital sign spike or drop |
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What You'll Learn
Using a pulse oximeter
Pulse oximetry is a quick, non-invasive, and painless test that can be used to check your heart rate in a hospital setting. It is a small, clip-like device that can be attached to your finger, wrist, or toe. It can also be used at home.
When placing the pulse oximeter on your finger, ensure that your hand is warm, placed below heart level, clean, without any fingernail polish or jewellery, and that you are relaxed. Sit still and do not move your hand with the device. Wait a few seconds for the digital readings to settle. This will show an estimate of your heart rate and oxygen saturation. Normal oxygen saturation levels for healthy individuals should be between 95% and 100%.
Pulse oximetry is often used in emergency departments, hospital wards, and ambulances to assess blood oxygenation in patients with respiratory difficulties or to monitor the respiratory depressant effects of pain medications. It is also used to monitor patients receiving medications that may impair their respiration, such as opioids. Pulse oximetry can also be used to diagnose hypoxia rapidly and to adjust oxygen supplementation when used with ventilator support.
It is important to note that pulse oximetry may be less accurate for individuals with darker skin tones. This is because the devices were developed without considering a diversity of skin tones. Additionally, the accuracy of the device is lowest when SpO2 values are below 80%.
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With a smart ring
Smart rings are an innovative way to monitor your heart rate. They are lightweight, stylish, and packed with advanced sensors and complex software. The Oura Ring, Ultrahuman Ring Air, RingConn, and Samsung Galaxy Ring are some of the popular smart rings available. These rings can track your heart rate in real time, providing valuable insights into your cardiovascular health.
The Oura Ring is a pioneer in the smart ring category. It accurately measures nocturnal heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) and can even track hikes, core workouts, and housework as healthy activities. The Ring 4 is slimmer and lighter, with improved sensors for a smooth finish. It also simplifies data analysis, making it easier for users to understand their health metrics.
The Ultrahuman Ring Air is another impressive smart ring that offers sensor-packed features without the need for a subscription. It includes a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, a non-contact medical-grade skin temperature sensor, a six-axis motion sensor, and coloured LEDs for heart rate monitoring. While the Ultrahuman Ring Air excels at recording basic heart rate data, its workout tracking capabilities have been criticised for inaccuracy.
The RingConn smart ring provides 24/7 heart rate tracking, SpO2 measurement, and sleep analysis to help detect potential health concerns early. It uses advanced PPG technology with infrared sensors to provide precise measurements, even during movement. Independent tests have shown that RingConn's heart rate readings are comparable to medical-grade devices, making it a trusted choice for heart health monitoring.
The Samsung Galaxy Ring is an elegant, lightweight smart ring crafted from scratch-resistant titanium. It offers improved heart rate tracking and provides a comprehensive health report through the Samsung Health app. The Galaxy Ring's AI-powered insights help users understand their sleep quality, heart rate, and overall physical readiness.
Smart rings provide a discreet and stylish way to monitor your heart rate and overall health. While they offer many benefits, it is important to note that they should not be solely relied on for medical diagnoses, as they may produce inaccurate readings in certain cases.
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Through a smartphone app
While smartphone apps that use your phone's camera to measure heart rate are not intended for medical use, they can be a convenient way to get a casual measurement of your heart rate.
There are several apps available that work by detecting changes in blood volume below the skin's surface, a practice called photoplethysmography. This involves placing your fingertip on the camera, which detects a colour change in your fingertip each time your heart beats and uses an algorithm to calculate your heart rate. Some apps also use the flash on your phone's camera to illuminate the skin and create a reflection.
Examples of such apps include Cardiio, which measures your heart rate in under 15 seconds, and Cardiograph, which allows you to measure your pulse while at rest or in motion. Another popular option is Instant Heart Rate, which is used in heart research and can measure your heart rate in less than 10 seconds. This app also includes a stress test and can show you trends and insights.
It is important to note that these apps should not be used as a replacement for medical-grade equipment or as a substitute for consulting with a medical professional. If you have any concerns about your heart rate or health, it is always best to seek advice from a doctor.
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With a digital fitness tracker
Digital fitness trackers are a popular way to monitor your heart rate. They are usually in the form of a smartwatch or a smart ring, and they can be incredibly useful for tracking your heart rate during exercise, monitoring stress and activity levels, tracking sleep quality, and monitoring your vital signs.
Most fitness trackers use a technique called photoplethysmography (PPG) to measure heart rate. PPG sensors detect changes in blood movement by emitting light at specific wavelengths into the skin. Blood components like haemoglobin absorb some of that light, and the tracker's photodetector then measures the amount of light reflected back. The more light absorbed by the blood, the higher its volume in the blood vessels — and this is what fitness trackers interpret as a heartbeat. The most commonly used light sources are infrared and green LED lights, as these wavelengths of light are the most effective at penetrating the skin tissue.
Some fitness trackers, like the Apple Watch, use an electrical heart sensor to measure your heart rate. To use this, you need to open the Heart Rate app and place your finger on the Digital Crown. The Apple Watch also has a Workout app that measures your heart rate continuously during the workout and for 3 minutes after the workout ends to determine a workout recovery.
Fitbit devices have optical heart rate sensors that use rapidly flashing green LEDs to detect changes in blood volume in the capillaries of your wrist. Light-sensitive photodiodes measure these changes, and your device calculates your heart rate in beats per minute (bpm). Fitbit's heart rate tracking accuracy is affected by your personal physiology, device placement on your arm, and the activity you're doing.
It is important to note that while fitness trackers can be valuable tools for monitoring your health, they are not as accurate as approved medical devices, and you should not use them as a substitute for medical care.
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Manually, by counting pulse
To manually check your heart rate, you can count your pulse. This can be done by feeling the force of blood going through an artery close to your skin's surface with each heartbeat.
You can find your pulse in various parts of your body, such as your wrist, neck, elbow, or even the top of your foot. To check your pulse on your wrist, turn one arm so your palm is facing up. Place your middle three fingers from your other hand in the upper groove of your upturned wrist, just below the base of your thumb. Press firmly until you feel a subtle, pulsing (beating or throbbing) sensation. If you can't feel anything, apply more pressure with the tips of your fingers.
Once you've found your pulse, count the beats for 15 seconds. Multiply this number by four to obtain your heart rate. For example, if you counted 20 beats in 15 seconds, your heart rate would be 80 beats per minute (bpm).
You can also check your pulse by finding your carotid artery. Place your pointer and middle fingers on the side of your neck, in the groove under your jaw and next to your windpipe. Press firmly until you feel a pulse. If you can't feel it, move your fingers slightly and increase pressure until you do.
Another location for checking your pulse is the brachial artery. Turn your arm so it's slightly bent and your inner arm is facing up. Place your index and middle fingers along the side of your arm between the crook of your elbow on the top and the pointy part of your elbow bone on the bottom.
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Frequently asked questions
You can check your heart rate manually by placing your index and middle fingertips on your wrist, just below the base of your thumb, or on the side of your neck, just below your jawbone. You should feel your pulse. Count the number of beats in 15 seconds and multiply that number by four to get your heart rate.
Hospitals use heart rate monitors to measure heart rate. These devices can be wired or wireless, and they use sensors to detect and track your heart rate continuously. Some sensors are patches that stick to your skin, while others may be clipped onto one of your fingers.
For most adults, a normal resting heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. A heart rate below 60 beats per minute is considered bradycardia, while a rate above 100 beats per minute is considered tachycardia. However, a healthy heart rate can vary depending on the situation and the person. For example, athletes may have heart rates near 40 beats per minute.
If your heart rate monitor sets off an alarm, use the call system to contact a nurse. The alarm may be due to a loose sensor or a life-threatening problem.
