Heart Health

Listen to your heart

By , Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch

Knowing your heart rate at any time is easier than ever. What are the best ways to use this instant information?

There are many ways to track your heart rate nowadays, from fitness watches such as Garmin and Apple to activity trackers.

These devices use photoplethysmography sensors to measure your pulse. A light on the watch or tracker’s underside shines onto the skin of your wrist and refracts off the blood flowing beneath. A sensor then translates that information into a pulse reading.

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About the Author

photo of Matthew Solan

Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch

Matthew Solan is the executive editor of Harvard Men’s Health Watch. He previously served as executive editor for UCLA Health’s Healthy Years and as a contributor to Duke Medicine’s Health News and Weill Cornell Medical College’s … See Full Bio
View all posts by Matthew Solan

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