Investigating and Describing Heart Rate

 

What is Heart Rate?

Your heart rate is the number of times your heart beats in one minute. It’s like counting how often you tap your foot in a minute—just replace taps with heartbeats! Heart rate helps us understand how active and energetic your body is feeling.

 

How Can We Investigate Heart Rate?

1. Find Your Pulse:
   You can feel your pulse (a gentle throb) at places like your wrist or neck. Each pulse is one heartbeat.

2. Count the Beats for 1 Minute:
   If you count 70 beats in 60 seconds, your heart rate is 70 beats per minute (bpm).

3. Use Simple Tools:

   • Pulse Rate: Counting beats by feeling the pulse.
   • Listening to the Heart: Using a stethoscope to hear the "lub-dub" sounds.
   • ECG (Electrocardiogram): A machine that shows heart activity as a line on a screen.

 

What Affects Heart Rate?

Physical Activity: When you exercise—like running or jumping—your heart beats faster. Why? Your body needs more energy and oxygen, so the heart speeds up to deliver these faster.