Using Polar Heart Rate Monitors For
Cardiac Rehabilitation
If you entered this section you may be
recovering from a cardiac incident, an operation or know someone who has. A
Polar heart rate monitor is the perfect tool for cardiac rehab. It's important
that you have your doctor's clearance before starting any cardiac rehab
program. After getting the go ahead, many people still feel apprehensive about
leading an active life. That’s where a Polar heart rate monitor comes in.
It will help you safely get back into the swing of things after your cardiac
rehab.
We understand the issues
you face when coming back from a medical situation. We work very closely with
thousands of rehab clinicians across the country who use Polar heart rate
monitors to help get their patients moving again. It's important that you have
the confidence to start again, and a Polar heart monitor can help you. By
monitoring your heart rate while you exercise, you can ensure that you are not
overdoing it. It's not about how you feel. We've received numerous letters from
recovering patients who told us they felt great during a workout, but
experienced an elevated heart rate. They alerted the nurse and in fact, they
were actually at the beginning of an attack. If they had relied on how they
felt rather than on their heart rate monitor, they may not have been around to
write us the letter.
When you wear an HRM, your
heart rate is continuously displayed on your wrist so you or your cardiac nurse
can monitor it closely without being restricted at all. Outside the clinic, you
can still take part in your cardiac rehab program doing the activities that you
enjoy. Or you can wear it throughout the day just to feel safe accomplishing
your daily routine. It can help you build the confidence to lead a normal life
again.
Key Target
Zone
60-70% of max heart rate builds endurance
Example:
Lee is 55 years old and he is coming back
from a heart attack. He walks for exercise three days a week, sometimes for 10
minutes, sometimes for 20 minutes and he's not sure how fast to walk.
*His estimated max heart
rate is 220-(age) 55=165
The recommended target zone is 60-70 %
60% of
165=99
70% of 165=115
Lee should walk three days a week for at least
30 minutes and keep his heart rate between 99 and 115 for a safe and effective
workout. IT'S THAT SIMPLE!
If your doctor gives you
exact numbers to follow, you should follow his guidance.
Make sure to read
Getting Started With a Polar Heart Rate Monitor
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