Portable Heart Rate Monitors

A portable heart rate monitor is a lightweight electronic device that allows a subject to measure and record his or her heart rate. Modern portable heart rate monitors generally consist of a chest strap and a wrist watch. These devices provide an easy and accurate way to measure heart rate while performing an exercise workout. This is vital for maintaining good cardiovascular fitness since a portable heart rate monitor will help monitor your target heart rate. The target heart rate refers to the heart rate one must maintain while exercising to achieve optimal cardio fitness. The target heart rate of a person is a percentage of their maximum heart rate. For moderate intensity physical activity the target heart rate should be between 50-75 percent of the individual's maximum heart rate while for high intensity physical activity the figure should be between 70-85 percent.

The chest strap of a heart rate monitor has electrodes that detect the electrical activity of the heart. The straps are made of a special conductive smart fabric with microprocessors embedded in it to analyze this activity and measure the heart rate. This information is then transmitted to a wristwatch which displays the heart rate. The chest monitor continuously measure the heart rate and relays it to the receiver which comes in various designs and contains additional features which include average heart rate during exercise period, time spent within target heart rate, calories burned, respiration rate, built in speed and distance calculator and can also record this data allowing it to be downloaded and analyzed by a computer. Modern portable heart rate monitors include GPS functionality as well and provide indications such as alarms when a person is outside his or her target range.

The type of portable heart rate monitor required depends on the individual's needs and fitness level. For weight loss a monitor that measures the time spent within your target heart rate as well as the calories burned during the exercise is most suitable. For athletes a portable heart rate monitor that offers multi-sport support, workout feedback and advanced features such as GPS and data logging is recommended.

Portable heart rate monitors cost between $25- $500 and upwards depending on the brand and features. Inexpensive models are generally recommended for beginner and intermediate users who generally follow a moderate exercise workout. The more expensive models contain many additional features, are highly accurate and durable, and are more appropriate for professional athletes and advanced users who engage in vigorous physical activity and exercise. Brands like Polar and Suunto are world renowned suppliers of portable heart rate monitors.

A portable heart rate monitor is a vital piece of equipment for cardiac patients or individuals with cardiovascular dysfunctions. The monitor will give a clear indication of whether the patient is over exerting himself and alert the user who can then rest until the heart rate is back to normal. For some people the portable heart rate monitor is a helpful tool for increasing physical fitness whereas for others it can be the difference between life and death.