Perhaps among the most amazing iPhone apps available are those that essentially transform the iPhone camera into a heart rate monitor. Not intended to replace professional medical monitoring equipment, health apps, when coupled with the Apple camera, enable fitness enthusiasts; individuals concerned about their heart fitness and health; and others, to determine their heart rates within roughly 10 seconds.
In addition to reporting your heart rate, many of these iPhone camera apps also generate an on-screen heart rate chart, similar to an EKG chart.
Depending on the specific app used, the results may be stored, in the form of a log, on the phone or, with the addition of software such as Azumio, exported into CSV format. Results can also be shared through social media such as Facebook and Twitter.
How to Use the iPhone Camera Performs as a Heart Rate Monitor
How iPhone camera apps monitor a heart rate depends on a few factors including whether the camera being used is rear-facing or front-facing. The vast majority of heart rate monitoring apps run on iPhones with a rear-facing camera and requires that the user position his or her finger over the lens. Other apps, such as Cardiio, run on iPhones with front-facing cameras, require that the camera be directed toward the user’s face, and no physical contact is needed. Cardiio is not to be used during exercise; this app is appropriate only when the heart is at its resting rate.
For best results, the camera should be equipped with a flash; however, if no flash is available, the test should be performed in an area that provides good lighting. In both cases, the camera detects micro changes to the skin that occur naturally when the heart beats to calculate user’s heart rate and reports the results to the iPhone via the app. For best results, the iPhone camera should be equipped with a flash; however, if no flash is available, the test should be performed in an area that provides good lighting.Apps that employ the iPhone camera do not need external hardware or devices.
Pricing and Availability of iPhone Camera Heart Rate Monitoring Apps
Like many apps available for the iPhone camera, these health apps are generally very affordable, with apps price ranging from free to about $5 USD. Free apps, such as “My Heart Rate”, typically offer added functionality for about $0.99 USD.
The apps that enable heart rate monitoring from an iPhone camera are available for purchase from individual developers iTunes, the Apple Store and other online stores.