What does an electrical or optical heart sensor do? Heart rate measurement directly on the wrist has probably brought smartwatches out of the gadget stone age and given them a function that really turns them from a nice toy to an independent and extremely useful health gadget. Hardly any function of smartwatches is more useful than the precise recording of the heart rate with the help of the optical heart sensor - or the creation of an EKG (electrocardiogram) with the help of the electrical heart sensor. How does the technology work and how mature is it now in smartwatches, sports watches and heart rate monitors? I have put together the most important information for you.
Heart rate measurement on the wrist is probably one of the most amazing achievements that has made its way into smartwatches and sports watches in recent years. With the help of an optical heart sensor Pulse measured directly on the wrist by using LEDs to illuminate the blood vessels.
In the past, you had to wear an uncomfortable chest strap to measure your heart rate with a heart rate monitor. Some users still swear by it today because they believe that the measurement is more precise. However, current smartwatches with heart rate measurement on the wrist produce such precise measurement results that the version with a chest strap is now unnecessary.
Results can be evaluated on the smartphone
The results can then be evaluated in appropriate apps or directly on the Watch Face (dial) on the smartwatch. A distinction is made between an optical heart sensor and an electrical heart sensor. The former is used to measure the pulse directly on the wrist. The electrical heart sensor, in turn, can even use the smartwatch EKG (electrocardiogram) record - that at least in the case of Apple Watch delivers amazingly reliable results. The technology of the heart sensors in smartwatches, heart rate monitors and sports watches is constantly being improved. The measurement becomes more accurate with every generation of optical heart sensors.
Related Articles
Pulse oximeter - measure the oxygen saturation in the blood with a smartwatch
Watch glass - smartwatch cover glass
Optical heart sensor – illuminates the blood vessels with LEDs
The optical heart sensor is based on the principle of photoplethysmography and uses a similar procedure to measuring blood oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter. The technology is not new and was first used in the 1930s.
However, the method only became really popular in smart watchers and sports watches with the introduction of the first one Apple Watch in 2014 and 2015. The smartwatch was able to measure the heart rate directly on the wrist. It was a bit of a sensation at the time because the measurements were very precise from the first version onwards.
The technology behind the optical heart rate measurement in smartwatches is very simple: A current optical heart sensor has up to eight small LEDs that glow brightly when the heart rate is measured. The LEDs illuminate the blood vessels. This happens in bursts. If there is a lot of blood in the vessel, the light is absorbed. If there is little blood in the vessel, the light is reflected and perceived by the sensor. The heart rate results from the intervals at which this process takes place. This is also referred to as the rhythm of systole and diastole.
Electrical heart sensor – measure signals from the heart
With the help of the electrical heart sensor, an EKG (electrocardiogram) can be created with a smart watch. So far this has been a 1-channel EKG. To do this, the second hand must be placed on a previously defined point on the smartwatch. Then a 30 second measurement takes place. The heart's electrical impulses are measured via the electrical heart sensor and checked for irregularities.
Measuring the heart rate with a chest strap
For decades, heart rate measurements were carried out using a chest strap. For a long time, sports watches were paired via Bluetooth with a chest strap that had to be worn during sports in order to transmit a precise heart rate. The measurement is then carried out using two electrodes that are placed directly on the skin. So-called R-impulses of the skin are measured. The disadvantage of this measuring method is that the chest strap is relatively uncomfortable to wear, often slipped and had to be parked with the sports watch.
All current sports watches rely on heart rate measurement directly on the wrist. The measurement is now so precise that the use of a chest strap is no longer absolutely necessary. However, some athletes still swear by this instrument because they believe they can still get better measurement results.
Follow me too Xing, TripAdvisor and Threads!
Follow me on Instagram now
stick with Travel Blog Just-Wanderlust.com and @strandkind_co always up to date and just follow me on Instagram!
Has anyone present already treated themselves to the new MacBook M3? And if so, what color? 💻🛒😍🤓
*Advertising / Ad*
#apple #macbook #macbookair #macbookairm3 #macbookair13
*Advertisement / Ad* The brand new MacBook Air M3 is here!
– With ultra-fast M3 processor 💨
– 18 hours of battery life 🔋
– Available in 13 and 15 inches 💻
– Only 1,24 kg light and 11,3 mm thin (13 inches)
– Ideal for working on the go and traveling 🧳😎🥰
– Perfect for photo & video editing and AI applications
– Open today apple.com/de or pre-order directly from tomorrow Apple Shop store 🛒
#apple #macbook #macbookair #macbookairm3 #macbookair13
*Advertisement / Ad* You don't know where to travel this summer yet? How about the paradisiacal Croatian island of Krk! Get advice from @sol.tours and @solvillas.eu, they know the best accommodations and most beautiful corners of the island 😍🤟🥰🐳🌍✈️🏄☀️⛵️😍🙏
*
*
*
* ->>>> also check the links in my bio 🤩
*
*
*
#strandkind #blogger #travelblogger #travel #travel
#travellust #travelmakeshappy #travelphotography
#travel fever #travelblog #microadventure #wanderlust
#adventure #nature #diewocheaufinstagram #urlaub
#vacation ready #holiday feeling #holiday at home
#holidaywithdog #holidaywithchildren
#travel #travelphotography #travelblogger
#traveltheworld #travelgram #traveling #croatia #visitkrk @visitkrkisland @visitmalinska
*Advertisement / Ad* You don't know where to travel this summer yet? How about the paradisiacal Croatian island of Krk! Get advice from @sol.tours and @solvillas.eu, they know the best accommodations and most beautiful corners of the island 😍🤟🥰🐳🌍✈️🏄☀️⛵️😍🙏
*
*
*
* ->>>> also check the links in my bio 🤩
*
*
*
#strandkind #blogger #travelblogger #travel #travel
#travellust #travelmakeshappy #travelphotography
#travel fever #travelblog #microadventure #wanderlust
#adventure #nature #diewocheaufinstagram #urlaub
#vacation ready #holiday feeling #holiday at home
#holidaywithdog #holidaywithchildren
#travel #travelphotography #travelblogger
#traveltheworld #travelgram #traveling #croatia #visitkrk @visitkrkisland @visitmalinska
*Advertisement / Ad* You don't know where to travel this summer yet? How about the paradisiacal Croatian island of Krk! Get advice from @sol.tours and @solvillas.eu, they know the best accommodations and most beautiful corners of the island 😍🤟🥰🐳🌍✈️🏄☀️⛵️😍🙏
*
*
*
* ->>>> also check the links in my bio 🤩
*
*
*
#strandkind #blogger #travelblogger #travel #travel
#travellust #travelmakeshappy #travelphotography
#travel fever #travelblog #microadventure #wanderlust
#adventure #nature #diewocheaufinstagram #urlaub
#vacation ready #holiday feeling #holiday at home
#holidaywithdog #holidaywithchildren
#travel #travelphotography #travelblogger
#traveltheworld #travelgram #traveling #croatia #visitkrk @visitkrkisland @visitmalinska
Never stop discovering - places, people, activities - and everything that lies within you⛷️🥰😍☀️🤟🥰🐳🌍✈️🏄☀️⛵️😍🙏
*
* Advertising
* Everything about the PillerseeTal in the link in the bio
*
*
*
*
#strandkind #blogger #travelblogger #shotoniphone #travel #travel
#travellust #travelmakeshappy #travelphotography
#travel fever #travelblog #microadventure #wanderlust
#adventure #nature #sealove #vacation
#readyforvacation #vacationfeeling
#holidaywithdog #holidaywithchildren #justwanderlust
#travel #travelphotography #travelblogger
#traveltheworld #travelgram #traveling
Measuring heart rate with a smartwatch – areas of application for pulse measurement
Measuring heart rate with a smartwatch is useful in many areas of application. Athletes in particular measure their pulse with a smartwatch during their training. But for less sporty people, heart rate measurement can of course be useful in order to get an overview of the current state of fitness.
The ECG can even be used to detect health problems such as dangerous atrial fibrillation of the heart. However, using a smartwatch for self-diagnosis by recording heart rate and ECG does not replace going to the doctor. If you have acute symptoms, you should call the emergency number immediately and not use the smartwatch first.
FAQs heart sensor – the most important questions and answers
How does heart rate measurement work with a smartwatch?
The technology behind the optical heart rate measurement in smartwatches is very simple: A current optical heart sensor has up to eight small LEDs that light up brightly when the heart rate is measured. The LEDs illuminate the blood vessels. This is done intermittently. If there is a lot of blood in the vessel, the light is absorbed. If there is little blood in the vessel, the light is reflected and perceived by the sensor. The heart rate results from the intervals at which this process takes place.
How accurate are heart rate monitors?
The accuracy of heart rate monitors can vary greatly. Some models determine very precise measured values, while other products give completely wrong results.
What Apple Watch measures heart rate?
The Apple Watch is equipped with an optical heart rate sensor from the first generation. All other models from the Apple Watch Series 2, Series 3, Series 4, Series 5 through Series 6 can measure heart rate. From the Apple Watch Series 4 and later, the smartwatch can also use an electrical heart sensor to create an EKG (electrocardiogram). The Apple Watch Series 6 you should be able to use a pulse oximeter to check the oxygen saturation in the blood.
How does the optical heart rate measurement work?
The technology behind the optical heart rate measurement in smartwatches is very simple: A current optical heart sensor has up to eight small LEDs that light up brightly when the heart rate is measured. The LEDs illuminate the blood vessels. This is done intermittently. If there is a lot of blood in the vessel, the light is absorbed. If there is little blood in the vessel, the light is reflected and perceived by the sensor. The heart rate results from the intervals at which this process takes place.
What is an optical heart sensor?
The optical heart sensor is based on the principle of photoplethysmography and uses a procedure similar to measuring the blood oxygen content with a pulse oximeter. A current optical heart sensor has up to eight small LEDs that light up brightly when the heart rate is measured. The LEDs illuminate the blood vessels. This is done intermittently. If there is a lot of blood in the vessel, the light is absorbed. If there is little blood in the vessel, the light is reflected and perceived by the sensor. The heart rate results from the intervals at which this process takes place.
What is the normal heart rate?
The pulse of a healthy adult is between 60 and 80 beats per minute (normocardia). If the resting heart rate is more than 100 beats per minute, it is called tachycardia. Conversely, there is also a low resting heart rate, which often occurs in athletes. Then the heartbeat is below 60 beats per minute. One speaks of bradycardia.
What does BPM mean for heart rate?
The term BPM for heart rate means “beats per minute”, which in German means “beats per minute”. The value indicates how often the heart beats in 1 minute.
Which pulse is normal at which age?
The pulse of a healthy adult is between 60 and 80 beats per minute (normocardia). In older people, the normal resting heart rate is 70 to 90 beats per minute. Women tend to have a slightly higher resting heart rate than men.
What Apple Watch can EKG?
All Apple Watch Models have an optical heart sensor with which the heart rate can be measured directly on the wrist. From the Apple Watch Series 4 and later, the smartwatch can also use an electrical heart sensor to create an EKG (electrocardiogram).
Smartwatch Wiki - the most important smartwatch terms at a glance
Related Articles
Where is? App experience report – find suitcases with AirTag?
Apple Watch on trips – practical Smartwatch on vacation?
Apple Watch Hiking experience report - Smartwatch for outdoor fans?
Which sports watch or smartwatch are you currently using? Which functions do you attach great importance to? Share your experiences in the comments.
0 Comments