In a world where technology seems to know no bounds, our smartphones can now go beyond just making calls and sending texts to potentially help monitor our health. While nothing can replace the accuracy of medical-grade equipment for tracking heart rate, smartphone apps have emerged as a convenient tool for getting a rough estimate of your heart rate using just your phone’s camera. Keep in mind that these apps are not intended for medical use and should be used for informational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your heart health, it’s always best to consult your doctor.
Here’s how these smartphone apps can track your heart rate:
- Photoplethysmography: Similar to the heart rate sensors found in most fitness wearables, smartphone apps measure your heart rate by detecting changes in blood volume beneath your skin’s surface using a technique called photoplethysmography. This method works by capturing the changes in blood flow in your fingers and face each time your heart beats, allowing the apps to estimate your heart rate by using the flash of your phone’s camera to illuminate the skin and monitor the reflection.
- Accuracy of Heart Rate-Tracking Apps: While photoplethysmography is a reliable method, not all heart rate-tracking apps are equally accurate. Research comparing these apps to clinical gold standard measurements found discrepancies of over 20 beats per minute in more than 20% of readings. Although these apps are not meant for medical purposes, some perform better than others. Apps that require you to touch your finger to the phone’s camera tend to deliver more accurate results compared to those that only ask you to hold the phone’s camera to your face. While the readings from these apps should be taken with caution, they can still provide valuable insights into your heart rate trends.
When it comes to tracking your heart rate using smartphone apps, here are three top-rated options that consistently stand out:
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Cardiio: Heart Rate Monitor
- Developed using technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cardiio provides quick heart rate measurements in under 15 seconds.
- The app offers a built-in reminder to monitor your pulse regularly and allows you to export data for further analysis.
- Cardiio is free to use, with optional in-app purchases to unlock additional features or upgrade to the premium version for more capabilities.
- Price: Free for iOS with in-app purchases
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Instant Heart Rate: HR Monitor
- A favored choice among heart rate researchers, this app offers various features behind a subscription paywall, including heart rate measurement, activity zone calculator, and real-time graphs.
- It syncs with Apple Health and Google Fit for seamless data integration across platforms.
- Price: Free for iOS and Android with in-app purchases
- Cardiograph
- With Cardiograph, you can track your pulse at rest or during physical activities and add context to your data by specifying your activity level.
- The app syncs with Apple Health and is compatible with Android Wear and Apple Watch for comprehensive health monitoring.
- The upgraded version of the app enhances user experience with a sleek design and additional functionalities.
- Price: Free for Android with in-app purchases; $1.99 for iOS
While these apps offer convenient ways to monitor your heart rate on the go, remember to interpret their readings with caution and consult a healthcare professional for any medical concerns. By leveraging the power of technology, you can gain valuable insights into your heart rate trends and take proactive steps towards better health.
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