Overview
HeartMath sensors are Pulse Plethysmographs (PPG). Unlike an ECG (which measures electrical signals from the chest), our sensors measure the volume of blood pulsing through your earlobe or finger.
While this allows for high-precision coherence training, it also means the sensor can be tricked by movement, cold skin, or poor placement. These errors are called “Artifacts.”
The “Half-Rate” Error (Sudden Low Readings)
One of the most common artifacts is a sudden drop in heart rate, often to numbers like 30, 35, or 40 bpm.
- The Cause: If the sensor is loose or the ear is cold, the sensor may “miss” a heartbeat.
- The Math: If the sensor misses a beat, the time interval between the beats it does see is doubled. The software interprets this doubled time as a much slower heart rate.
- Real Heart Rate: 70 bpm
- Sensor Misses Beat: Display shows 35 bpm.
- The Solution: This is not a medical emergency. It simply means the sensor needs to be adjusted.
Troubleshooting “Strange” Numbers
If your Heart Rate graph looks jagged or shows impossible jumps (e.g., from 70 to 150, or 70 to 35):
- Warm Your Ear: Cold skin is the #1 cause of poor signal. Rub your earlobe for 10–15 seconds before clipping the sensor.
- Check Position: Ensure the sensor is on the fleshy center of the lobe, not hanging off the edge or pinching cartilage.
- Sit Still: Talking, chewing, or moving your head quickly can disrupt the blood flow signal.
- Check the Light: Ensure the sensor light is flashing (or steady, depending on the model) and is fully touching the skin.