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Heart Rate The heart rate is the number of contractions of the heart in one minute. It is measured in beats per minute (bpm). When resting, the adult human heart beats at about 70 bpm (males) and 75 bpm (females), but this rate varies between people.
Heart Rate Monitor A heart rate monitor is a device that allows a user to monitor their heart rate whilst exercising. It consists of two elements, a chest strap and a wrist receiver (which usually doubles as a watch). Advanced models additionally measure heart rate variability to assess a user's fitness.
Heart Rate Variability Heart rate variability (HRV) is a measure of variations in the heart rate. It is usually calculated by analysing the time series of beat-to-beat intervals from ECG or arterial pressure tracings. Various measures of heart rate variability have been proposed, which can roughly be subdivided into time domain, frequency domain and phase domain measures. HRV is regarded by some as an indicator of the activity of autonomic regulation of circulatory function, although this is an area of some controversy. Alteration (mostly reduction) of HRV has been reported to be associated with various pathologic conditions like hypertension, hemorrhagic shock, and septic shock. It has found its role as a predictor of mortality after an acute myocardial infarction.