HEART

Because of the common occurrence of heart problems in our society, more people are in the market for heart rate monitors to use while exercising, at rest or at work. Many people are concerned about the onset of a heart attack or have heart palpitations that necessitate biofeedback occasionally or even every day. Heart rate monitors need not be expensive; some are designed for clinical use only, while others are built in gym equipment. There are some heart rate monitors that can be worn on the wrist like a watch and can give feedback anytime, anywhere. Of course, you could take your pulse by putting your two fingers on your carotid artery, but technology has advanced greatly, and it is worth taking advantage of.

Heart rate monitors work by measuring the electrical fluctuations of the heart. Of course, you could just measure the sound of the lub-dubs, by putting your index and middle finger on the carotid artery of your neck. Count the number of heart beats for six seconds and multiply by 10. A slower way is to count each individual beats. This will give you your heart rate while resting. However, it is quite difficult to measure your heart rate this way while exercising, and so heart rate monitors are necessary to give more accurate feedback about one's pulse.

When going for a medical examination, you may have to walk a treadmill with heart rate monitors attached. This is true if you have had a history of heart problems and the doctor want to measure your pulse while exercising to ensure that everything is normal. These large heart rate monitors are quite effective and are attached the chest, but they are quite expensive and are not designed for home use. You can find home versions of these heart rate monitors if you require continuous feedback on your heart rate. Other heart rate monitors are built in to gym equipment. A monitor will tell you what your heart rate is and how many calories you have burned when you touch the sensor. This, however, cannot give you continuous feedback, and is a good compromise between the hospital heart rate monitors and more basic versions.

You can wear heart rate monitors like wristwatches around your wrist. This is a convenient way to measure your pulse and requires you to touch the sensors once in awhile. You do not have to stop to get biofeedback, and these “watches” are light and handy and perfect for strolling and jogging.

Heart rate monitors can tell you if you are overstraining, and likewise, it can be a good motivating influence as you push yourself to increase your heart rate with workouts. If it has been a while since you have exercised, you will want to work out at 50% your maximum heart rate. Your maximum heart rate can be calculated by subtracting your age from 220. (in the case of a women, it is 226). A good walk will get you to use 50% of your capacity. Gradually increase this over time and build the strength of your heart. Many people reach 85% of their capacity, but it is not recommended to use 90% or more in a workout without consulting a doctor. Only top athletes can handle working out at this rate, and it is a dangerous level for most people.