Heart rate monitor

A Heart rate monitor (pronunciation: /ˈhɑːrt reɪt ˈmɒnɪtər/) is a personal monitoring device that allows one to measure one's heart rate in real time or record the heart rate for later study. It is especially useful for individuals who are into physical fitness and cardiovascular exercise.

Etymology

The term "Heart rate monitor" is derived from the English words "heart", "rate", and "monitor". "Heart" comes from the Old English heorte, "rate" from the Latin rata, and "monitor" from the Latin monere, meaning to warn or remind.

Function

Heart rate monitors function by detecting the pulse of the blood as it is pumped by the heart. The device then calculates the frequency of the heartbeats to determine the heart rate. Some heart rate monitors also include additional features such as tracking calories burned, sleep quality, and stress levels.

Types

There are two main types of heart rate monitors: chest strap monitors and wrist monitors. Chest strap monitors are worn around the chest and measure the electrical signals from the heart, while wrist monitors, often incorporated into fitness trackers or smartwatches, use optical sensors to detect the pulse in the wrist.

Related Terms

Electrocardiogram: A test that measures the electrical activity of the heart.
Pulse: The rhythmic dilation of an artery that results from beating of the heart.
Cardiovascular system: The organ system that circulates blood throughout the body.
Exercise physiology: The study of the body's responses to physical activity.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Heart rate monitor
Wikipedia's article - Heart rate monitor

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Heart rate monitor