Monitor your condition at any time: cardiac activity and rhythm monitors

Pulse shows the frequency of a person's heartbeat. This is a very important indicator. Depending on gender, age and individual characteristics of the body, there is an established norm for everyone. It is necessary to ensure that the heart rate does not go beyond its limits. Without a medical education, it is difficult to independently monitor this indicator. For home use, there is a special device for measuring pulse that will do the job perfectly. It can be bought at a pharmacy. The price range is wide. This device is also often used by athletes and people leading an active lifestyle to effectively determine the required load.

Purpose of a heart rate monitor, positive aspects

The main purpose is to monitor the work of the heart. A heart rate measuring device has many advantages over manual measurements. Let's look at the main ones:

1. Its use does not require special knowledge and is available to everyone.
2. Allows you to easily measure your pulse both at rest and under any load.
3. Provides constant monitoring of pressure, pulse, heart function, protecting it from overload.
4. Maximizes the positive effects of sports.
5. High accuracy of readings.
6. Availability. Available in any pharmacy without a doctor's prescription, at reasonable prices.

Chest strap against optical sensors

The biggest battlefield is chest straps versus wrist-worn devices, the latter of which use optical technology to "see" the blood pulsing through the veins. Optical sensors are integrated into most new running watches and fitness trackers.

The accuracy debate rages, so we'll say it straight: chest straps are more accurate, but wrist-mounted devices will struggle when you really push hard. Optical watches are much more convenient, and if you work consistently, they do the job well.

There's a new generation of optical heart rate sensors that move the tracking to the forearm. Polar, Wahoo, and Scosche all have heart rate monitoring armbands that claim to offer the same level of accuracy as chest straps.

Even serious runners are happy with imperfect data from wrist devices because of the convenience they offer. Not carrying two devices everywhere is much easier, and when it comes to training in HR zones, devices like Garmin and Polar guarantee a good job.

However, when we ride bikes indoors, we tend to fall back on the chest strap. Why? We find it more comfortable and the high spin intensity works better with the chest strap than with a relatively steady run.

Heart Rate Zones

Any person involved in sports knows that a positive result directly depends on the heart rate. There is a golden rule - the higher the heart rate, the more effective the workout.

The following main pulse zones are distinguished, determined by the maximum heart rate (hereinafter referred to as MHR). Their description is given in the table:

It is worth saying that trainees measure their pulse without stopping the exercise. During training, it is easy to measure your heart rate automatically.

Best Belts for Heart Rate Training

Polar H10

Like its predecessor, the Polar H7, the H10 is one of the most reliable sensors around. Compatible with iOS and Android, the band boasts Bluetooth and features redesigned silicone friction points to keep the band in place, making it noticeably more comfortable to wear.

It still uses an ECG-style sensor that detects the heart's electrical activity to provide BPM readings, but a new measurement algorithm and additional electrodes to prevent interference help improve accuracy. It's waterproof so you can swim with it, and there's memory to store workouts in case your phone or bracelet dies.

Wahoo Tickr X

Tickr X, along with the MyZone MZ-3, remains one of the most highly effective heart rate monitoring devices. It works with a variety of devices, making it ideal for those who like to workout with a smartphone, and has dedicated modes for spinning and other activities.

What's more, the accelerometers inside can provide additional stats for running, while it can be combined with additional sensors to add cadence data for indoor cycling, making it much better than most simple straps.

The Wahoo Tickr X has internal memory that will store 16 hours of heart rate data and additional motion analytics that also tracks your cycles. You can work without a smartphone, and then transfer all the data at home after training.

Heart Rate Monitor Functions

The main function is to facilitate the process of monitoring heart rate. In addition to this, there are equally important tasks:

• Help you get into the desired heart rate zone.
• Warning with a special signal about moving to another zone.
• Calculation of the highest, lowest and average indicators.
• Counting calories burned.

In addition, for the convenience of consumers, modern devices are equipped with additional options. For example, an alarm clock, a timer, a pedometer, a navigator. The list may be wider or narrower, depending on the model of the device.

Which is better for home use?

There is no ideal tonometer that would be suitable for home use. To be more precise, each user chooses for himself what is more convenient.

You can purchase a mechanical tonometer, but only if you have experience in such measurements. The device lasts a long time; there is no need to purchase consumables for it.

The most convenient option is an automatic blood pressure monitor with an all-inclusive package. The device measures pressure independently, shows accurate results, and lets you know with a signal that something is wrong. But there is also a downside to such a device; it costs about ten thousand rubles.

Types of heart rate monitors

The devices are presented on the market in a wide range. For any purpose. Consumers trust such devices. They differ from each other in functions, measurement methods, sizes, and a set of measured readings. For example, some detect only pulse, others measure heartbeat, pulse and blood pressure. They also differ in pricing policy.

Which one is better to choose - everyone decides for himself, depending on individual needs, physical activity and health status. Let's look at the main options.

Chest heart rate monitors with chest strap

It looks like a belt fastened under the chest. A special cardiac sensor detects contractions of the heart muscle. These cuts are then submitted to special office hours. The signal is converted and displayed on the screen. More modern models transmit readings to an application on a mobile phone.

Wrist heart rate monitors

The name of the device speaks for itself. It is shaped like a bracelet or watch and is worn on the wrist. The accuracy of the readings is not inferior to chest models. Among the advantages - due to its compact size and ease of use, it can act as a training meter. There are the following types of wrist heart rate monitors:

1. Classic. The device is attached to one hand. To take the reading, you will need to touch it with the finger of your other hand.
2. Sensory. Determine pulse in uninterrupted mode. Nothing additional needs to be done.

Popular models

The most in demand are heart rate monitors from manufacturers who have been operating on the market for a long time. The most popular ones include:

• Polar Electro Oy is a Finnish manufacturer, a leader in its field. It has been producing heart rate monitors for over thirty years, offering models from simple to multifunctional. The products of this company are of high quality.
• Suunto is another Finnish company that offers swimming equipment.
• Sigma SPORT is a company from Germany.
• Beurer is a German manufacturer whose devices are distinguished by both high quality and affordable prices.

Heart rate monitors: how to choose the full range of prices

Recently, heart rate monitors have become widespread among athletes and people concerned about their health. Their product range is very diverse. Everyone will be able to choose the optimal device at an affordable price. Let's compare heart rate monitors from different manufacturers and their prices.

Sigma heart rate monitors

Line of chest heart rate monitors. Very popular. They have many models. The cost is suitable for those who do not plan serious expenses - around two thousand rubles. The minimum service life for daily use is six months. The quality is good, the readings are accurate.

Professional medical devices for measuring pulse

In addition to the considered methods of measuring pulse, as well as devices for measuring heart rate at home on your own, there are special medical devices for obtaining this indicator. They have a wider spectrum of action, including control of cardiac cycle variability, which is very important for people looking after their health. For example, a heart rate monitor on your finger. There are other varieties. In particular, a device that diagnoses the pulse of babies. The child has a more sensitive body, so all manipulations are carried out by a doctor.

In any case, you should remember that you should not self-medicate; before using the considered devices to monitor your health, you should consult a cardiologist.

Elegant bracelet Sigma Sport Activo black

The World Health Organization recommends taking at least 10 thousand steps per day. The Sigma Sport Activo black fitness bracelet allows you to record the number of steps. It has functions for setting plans for the day, the Sigma Active application helps you monitor the duration of your night's rest. The device readings can be seen on a special LED screen. The product communicates with the tablet using Bluetooth. The bracelet strap is made of silicone. It is made in various colors. It is recommended to purchase the device for those who have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation or tachycardia. It is also necessary in the presence of the following pathologies:

• Diseases of the cardiovascular system requiring surgical treatment. This device will reduce the duration of the rehabilitation period.
• Thyroid diseases, metabolic problems, increased blood glucose levels. If you have these diseases, it is recommended to do therapeutic exercises.

The battery life of the product is no more than 8 days. The bracelet is very light: its weight is 18 grams.