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Heart Monitor Instructions

Heart-rate monitors help cardiac-care patients check their health and fitness enthusiasts track their performance. Learning to use one takes just minutes.

  1. Transmitter and Elastic Strip

    • The transmitter is a thick strap dotted with electrodes. It sends information to a wrist unit. Moisten the electrodes before putting on the transmitter. Wear it just under the breasts, fastened snugly with the elastic strap.

    Wrist Unit

    • The wrist unit, which resembles a large wristwatch, displays the heart rate, exercise time and time of day. Push buttons on the wrist unit to choose the functions, which vary according to the brand and model. Wrist units often track average and peak heart rates, and many can sound an alarm if your pulse is lower or higher than it should be.

    Care and Maintenance

    • Keep the transmitter strap and wrist unit clean by wiping with a soft cloth dampened with water and mild soap. Store the system away from extreme temperatures, sunlight and water. If either piece of the heart rate monitoring system is exposed to water, dry it with a soft towel before storage. For many models, battery life is estimated at 2,500 hours for the transmitter and two years for the wrist unit. Contact the manufacturer when the batteries need replacing.

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