Getting Accurate Heart Rate Reading with Apple Watch

There are reports saying that the new Apple Watch may not be able to get your heart rate accurately every time. The sensor used by Apple Watch can indeed measure your heart rate, but it is not capable enough to get an accurate reading under different circumstances.

On the back of the Apple Watch, lies an infrared sensor and LEDs. The combination of these two components is used to detect the amount of blood flowing through your wrist. The information is then processed so that the Apple Watch can provide you with your current heart rate.

Of course, getting an accurate heart rate reading is important. The heart rate helps Apple Watch determine the intensity of your workout, the amount of calorie you are burning an various other information you would want the watch to provide. To make sure you get an accurate reading every time, here are a few things you can do:

1. The sensor works better when it is very close to your skin. When you wear your Apple Watch loosely, the sensor may not be able to get an accurate enough reading from your wrist. Make sure you tighten the band so that the Watch stays in place and the sensor on the back of it stays as close as possible to your skin.
2. The sensor relies on heat to read the amount of blood flowing through your wrist, so exercising in the cold will definitely affect the accuracy of Apple Watch’s heart rate monitor. Other possible problems such as a dirty sensor, a layer of cloth or other blocking materials between the sensor and the skin, and of course sweat and body temperature will also influence the accuracy of the heart rate monitor.
3. Apple advises tightening the band of your Apple Watch when doing irregular movements. When you are doing exercises that require these irregular movements, such as tennis or volleyball, this tip could come in handy. With other exercises such as running and cycling, on the other hand, tightening your band may not be necessary.

If you still can’t get an accurate reading from your Apple Watch, you can also connect it to an external heart rate monitor for better results. Based on everything that has been outlined so far, are you now getting an accurate reading? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.