How to measure your heart and respiratory rate directly from your smartphone?

Within reach of your smartphone. Currently, mobile devices have become an essential instrument in the daily life of millions of people, something that technology companies have been taking advantage of to introduce features focused on health and well-being.

That’s the case with the Google Fit app, which now offers Android and iPhone users a feature designed to monitor heart and breathing rates with the help of the phone’s camera. The data obtained can be used to analyze trends over time.

How to monitor your heart rate?

To take the measurement through Google Fit, you must make sure that your hands are warm. When they are cold, less blood circulates through the fingers, making it more difficult to detect a pulse. Also, it is advisable to be in a well-lit place.

1. Sign in to the Google Fit app from your mobile device
2. Go to the Explore tab located in the bottom bar
3. Access the Metrics section (Latin America) or Vital signs (Spain)
4. Tap the Get Started button next to the Check Your Heart Rate feature
5. Grant the necessary permissions for the app to access the phone’s camera
6. Place your fingertip on the rear camera lens and gently press
7. Click the Start Measurement button
8. Wait until the scanning process reaches 100%
9. In the end, the results will appear on the screen with the number of beats per minute
10. You can select the Save Measurement option to create a record of your heart rate.

How to track your respiratory rate?

Before you begin, make sure you’re seated in a well-lit area and that you’re not wearing any face coverings, such as masks or hats. On the other hand, wait a few minutes if you’ve been active recently.

1. Go to the Explore tab located at the bottom of the screen
2. Enter the Metrics section (Latin America) or Vital signs (Spain)
3. Tap the Get Started button next to the Track Your Breathing Rate feature
4. Rest your phone on a stable surface, with the screen facing forward.
5. Click the Start Measurement button
6. Position yourself within the indicated frame: your face in the upper box and your chest in the lower box
7. Wait until the scanning process reaches 100%
8. In the end, the results will be displayed with the number of breaths per minute
9. Select the Save Measurement option to create a record of your respiratory rate.

Please note that the heart rate and respiratory rate features offered by the Google Fit app are not intended to diagnose, cure, alleviate, prevent, or treat any disease or disorder. Any consultation should be made with a health professional.