iPhone Pulse Measurement: A Guide to Using Your Phone for Heart Rate

Since the 1974 publication of Barbara Brown's book "New Mind, New Body," many Americans have become interested in biofeedback, which is the practice of using technology to obtain information about your biological processes, such as brain function and pulse. Several iPhone app developers have exploited the presence of the camera and flash to add the ability to measure pulse rate using a technique called "photoplethysmography," which is also used in pulse oximeters, the device clipped to a patient's index finger during a hospital stay.

Instructions

• 1

  Press the Home button to go to the Home screen if you̵7;re not already there.

• 2

  Tap "App Store" to launch App Store.

• 3

  Tap "Search."

• 4

  Tap in the search box, type "heart rate" without quotation marks and tap the "Search" button the on keyboard.

• 5

  Select one of the pulse-measuring apps. Several are available, both free and paid, such as "Instant Heart Rate," "Heart Rate - Free" or "Cardiograph." Tap it in the list, and tap "Free" or the price to install it. Enter your iTunes password when prompted.

• 6

  Tap the app's icon to launch it.

• 7

  Place your finger lightly over the iPhone's camera and flash LED.

• 8

  Tap the button that starts the pulse measurement.

• 9

  Remain still until the measurement completes.