A Guide to Wearable Health Monitors and HRV Apps
Welcome to my page on wearable health monitors and apps ! The data I get from these devices and apps has been incredibly helpful for tracking and improving my health.
However, I don't live and die by the numbers, but I do use them as a tool to make smarter decisions.
For example, if my morning heart rate variability (HRV) reading is low, it doesn't mean I'm going to cancel my day. It just tells me I might need to take it a little easier. Also, a wonky HRV reading may mean that the conditions for the wearable sensor being used was just not right for a good reading.
For athletes, a low HRV on the day of a big tournament is expected due to stress, but that data can still be used to refine their training or pre-tournament routines. Ultimately, these devices provide valuable information, not a definitive prediction of what's going to happen.
My Go-To Devices
I use a mix of different devices to get a comprehensive view of my health.
ECG Monitors: My primary device is the Polar H10 chest strap. It's the gold standard for accuracy. It measures my heart rate and HRV and can even record data internally for up to 30 hours. I pair it with apps on my phone to get detailed reports.
Optical Sensors (PPG): I also use optical sensors, which are more convenient but generally less accurate than ECG monitors. They shine a light on your skin to measure blood flow, which can be affected by movement. While they're great for general use, you need to be perfectly still to get an accurate HRV reading.
The Scosche Rhythm 24 performs better in these situations
Costpo HW9 and HW807 are not good for use during travel due to vibrational cadence lock.
The Apps I Use
A wearable is only as good as the app it pairs with. Here are some of the apps I use to analyze my data:
Elite HRV: I use this for my morning HRV readings and for quick spot checks throughout the day. It's also great for seeing how my breathing exercises affect my stress levels.
Sleep as Android: I rely on this app for a detailed breakdown of my sleep cycles and overall sleep quality.
HRV Monitor: This is another great app for quick spot checks of my HRV and Baverski stress scores.
Polar ECG Analysis (by Biosignal Solutions): This paid app uses the data from my Polar H10 to provide a single-lead EKG. It analyzes my heart rate for ectopic beats, which is incredibly useful for me, and I can share the data with my cardiologist to track the effectiveness of my medication.
Heart Rate Coherence: This app helps me with real-time biofeedback. It tracks my HRV and has a built-in breath pacer to help me practice calming breathing patterns.
