Heart rate sensor

The Heart Rate sensor 027i provides a simple way to study the heart's function. Unlike an electrocardiograph (EKG), which monitors the electrical signal of the heart, this sensor monitors the flow of blood through the veins. The sensor clip consists of a small infrared LED and an infrared light sensor. As the heart forces blood through the blood vessels, the amount of blood changes with time. The sensor measures the light level transmitted through a tissue of the ear lobe and the corresponding variations in light intensities that occur as the blood volume changes in the tissue. The clip can also be used on a fingertip or on the web of skin between the thumb and index finger.

Examples of experiments
• Measurements of the heart rate of different individuals.
• Measurements of the heart rate before and after exercises.
• Measurements of the recovery rate: how fast a person's heart rate returns to its normal performance after exercise.
• Measurements of the heart rate before and after eating or drinking coffee (or Coca-Cola).
• Simultaneous measurements of heart rate, EKG and heart sounds with sound sensor to register heart tones.

The Heart Rate sensor can be directly connected to analog BT inputs of the CMA interfaces.

Technical specifications of the sensor are described in its User's guide.