HeartSafeAlerts

Getting Started with HeartSafeAlerts

Welcome to HeartSafeAlerts! This guide will help you get set up and monitoring your heart rate in just a few minutes.

---

What You’ll Need

Choose ONE of the following:

Option 1: Bluetooth Heart Rate Monitor

• Any Bluetooth LE heart rate monitor (Polar, Wahoo, Garmin, Scosche, etc.)
• Fresh battery installed
• Device manual handy (for pairing instructions)

Option 2: Apple Watch

• Apple Watch Series 4 or newer
• Paired with your iPhone
• watchOS up to date

---

Quick Start (5 Minutes)

Step 1: Install the App

1. Download HeartSafeAlerts from the App Store
2. Open the app
3. You’ll see the main screen with a heart icon and “Tap to Reconnect” banner

Step 2A: Connect Bluetooth Monitor

1. Power on your heart rate monitor
   • Install fresh battery if needed
   • Put device in pairing mode (check your device manual)
   • For chest straps: Wear it (many activate on skin contact)
2. In HeartSafeAlerts:
   • Tap the gray “Tap to Reconnect ↻” banner
   • Status will change to “Initializing…” (blue)
   • Then “Connected” (green) when successful
3. You’re monitoring!
   • Heart rate will appear in large numbers
   • Heart icon will pulse
   • Session statistics will start tracking

Troubleshooting:

• Make sure Bluetooth is enabled (Settings → Bluetooth)
• Get close (within 10 feet for initial pairing)
• Check device manual for pairing mode instructions
• Try refreshing: Tap banner again

Step 2B: Connect Apple Watch

1. Grant HealthKit Permission:
   • First time: App will prompt for HealthKit access
   • Tap “Allow” when prompted
   • Or: Settings → Privacy & Security → Health → HeartSafeAlerts → Turn on “Heart Rate”
2. Select Apple Watch as Data Source:
   • Tap settings icon (gear) at bottom of screen
   • Scroll to “Data Source” section
   • Select “Apple Watch” or “Automatic”
3. Ensure Apple Watch is ready:
   • Watch must be unlocked
   • Watch must be on your wrist
   • Wait 10-20 seconds for first reading
4. You’re monitoring!
   • Heart rate will appear (may take 10-30 seconds initially)
   • Updates may be slower than Bluetooth (5-30 second intervals)

Troubleshooting:

• Check that Apple Watch is paired and unlocked
• Open Health app to verify heart rate data is being recorded
• Restart both iPhone and Apple Watch if needed

Step 3: Configure Alerts

1. Tap the settings icon (gear at bottom of screen)

2. Set Your Thresholds:
   • Minimum BPM: Lowest acceptable heart rate (default: 60)
   • Maximum BPM: Highest acceptable heart rate (default: 100)
   • Adjust sliders to your needs
3. Enable Alerts:
   • Turn on “Enable Alerts”
   • Optional: Turn on “Sound Alerts” (plays sound when out of range)
   • Optional: Turn on “Vibration Alerts” (haptic feedback)
   • Optional: Turn on “Background Notifications” (alerts when app is closed)
4. Grant Notification Permission:
   • iOS will prompt: “HeartSafeAlerts Would Like to Send You Notifications”
   • Tap “Allow” for background alerts
   • Or: Settings → Notifications → HeartSafeAlerts → Allow Notifications

Step 4: Start Monitoring!

You’re all set! The app will now:

• ✅ Display your heart rate in real-time
• ✅ Track session statistics (min/max/avg, time in/out of range)
• ✅ Alert you when heart rate is outside your target range
• ✅ Continue monitoring in background (if notifications enabled)

---

Understanding the Interface

Main Screen

Status Banner (Top 20% of screen):

• Gray “Tap to Reconnect ↻” → Not connected (tap to connect)
• Blue “Initializing…“ → Connecting to device
• Green “Connected” → Successfully monitoring
• Orange “No Signal” → Connected but no data (stale)
• Red “Warning” → Heart rate is out of range

Heart Icon (Center):

• Pulses when actively monitoring
• Black = normal range
• Red = out of range

Heart Rate Display (Center):

• Large number = current heart rate (BPM)
• “— BPM” = no data yet or stale
• Gray text below = your target range

Session Statistics (Below heart rate):

• Appears automatically when you have data
• Shows min/max/avg BPM
• Shows time in/out of range
• Shows session duration

Settings Icon (Bottom):

• Tap to configure thresholds, alerts, and data source

---

Settings Explained

Heart Rate Thresholds

Minimum BPM: (Range: 40-100)

• Alert if heart rate drops below this
• Typical values:
  • Resting: 50-60 BPM
  • Light activity: 60-70 BPM
  • Seniors: 55-65 BPM

Maximum BPM: (Range: 100-200)

• Alert if heart rate goes above this
• Typical values:
  • Resting: 80-100 BPM
  • Light exercise: 100-130 BPM
  • Intense exercise: 140-170 BPM
  • Athletes: 170-185 BPM

💡 Pro Tip: Adjust thresholds based on your activity:

• Sleeping: 45-85 BPM
• Resting: 60-100 BPM
• Walking: 80-120 BPM
• Moderate exercise: 100-150 BPM
• Intense exercise: 130-180 BPM

Data Source

Bluetooth Monitor:

• Connects to external heart rate devices
• Most accurate for exercise
• Real-time updates
• Best for: Workouts, training

Apple Watch:

• Reads from HealthKit
• Convenient (already wearing it)
• May have 5-30 second delays
• Best for: Daily monitoring, light activity

Automatic:

• App chooses best source
• Prefers Bluetooth if available
• Falls back to Apple Watch
• Best for: Most users

Alerts

Enable Alerts:

• Master switch for all alerts
• Turn off to disable all notifications

Sound Alerts:

• Plays system sound when out of range
• Only when app is open
• 5-second cooldown between sounds

Vibration Alerts:

• Haptic feedback when out of range
• Only when app is open
• 5-second cooldown

Background Notifications:

• Push notifications when app is closed
• Requires iOS notification permission
• 60-second cooldown between notifications
• Recommended for continuous monitoring

---

Best Practices

For Workouts

1. Connect before starting - Don’t wait until you’re mid-exercise
2. Adjust thresholds - Set max higher for intense activities
3. Keep iPhone nearby - Bluetooth range is ~30 feet
4. Use chest strap - More accurate than wrist sensors during exercise

For Daily Monitoring

1. Use Apple Watch mode - Convenient for all-day wear
2. Enable background notifications - Get alerts even when app is closed
3. Set conservative thresholds - Avoid false alarms
4. Check battery - Continuous monitoring uses battery

For Sleep Monitoring

1. Lower thresholds - Heart rate drops during sleep (typical: 45-85 BPM)
2. Use airplane mode - Reduce interference if Bluetooth connected
3. Keep iPhone charging - All-night monitoring drains battery
4. Place iPhone nearby - Maintain Bluetooth connection

---

Common Scenarios

Scenario 1: I’m a Runner

Setup:

• Use Bluetooth chest strap (Polar H10 or Wahoo TICKR)
• Set thresholds: 70-170 BPM (adjust for your fitness level)
• Enable all alerts (sound, vibration, notifications)

During Run:

• Keep iPhone in armband or running belt
• Monitor heart rate to stay in training zones
• Alerts will warn if you’re pushing too hard or slacking off

Scenario 2: I Have a Heart Condition

Setup:

• Consult your doctor for appropriate thresholds
• Use most accurate monitoring method (Bluetooth chest strap)
• Enable background notifications for peace of mind
• Consider future Care Circle for family alerts (Q2 2025)

Important: This is NOT a medical device. Use only as supplemental monitoring, not as replacement for medical-grade equipment.

Scenario 3: I’m a Senior Wanting Peace of Mind

Setup:

• Use Apple Watch (convenient, already wearing it)
• Set conservative thresholds (e.g., 55-95 BPM)
• Enable background notifications
• Keep iPhone charged and nearby

Daily Use:

• Wear Apple Watch as usual
• App monitors in background
• Alerts only when heart rate is concerning
• Future Care Circle will notify family automatically

Scenario 4: I’m Tracking Fitness Progress

Setup:

• Use any heart rate monitor (Bluetooth or Apple Watch)
• Set thresholds based on target training zones
• Monitor session statistics

After Workout:

• Review session stats (min/max/avg)
• Check time in target zone
• Adjust thresholds for next session

---

Tips & Tricks

Accuracy Tips

For Bluetooth Chest Straps:

• Moisten electrodes before wearing (improves contact)
• Wear snugly but not too tight
• Position just below chest muscles
• Check battery regularly (replace yearly)

For Apple Watch:

• Wear snugly on wrist (1-2 finger gap from wrist bone)
• Clean sensor regularly (sweat/dirt reduces accuracy)
• Optical sensors work best for steady-state activities
• Less accurate during high-intensity intervals

Battery Saving Tips

• Dim screen brightness
• Use Low Power Mode (Settings → Battery)
• Disable unnecessary alerts
• Close other background apps
• Only monitor when needed (not 24/7)

Connection Tips

• Stay within 30 feet of Bluetooth device
• Avoid interference (microwaves, Wi-Fi routers)
• Update iOS regularly for Bluetooth improvements
• Restart iPhone if persistent connection issues

---

Troubleshooting

“Can’t connect to my Bluetooth monitor”

Check:

• ✅ Monitor is powered on and in pairing mode
• ✅ Monitor has fresh battery
• ✅ Bluetooth is enabled on iPhone
• ✅ You’re within 10 feet
• ✅ Monitor isn’t connected to another app

Try:

• Tap “Tap to Reconnect” banner
• Restart the app
• Restart your iPhone
• Consult monitor’s manual for pairing instructions

“Not getting Apple Watch heart rate”

Check:

• ✅ HealthKit permission granted (Settings → Privacy → Health)
• ✅ Apple Watch is unlocked and on wrist
• ✅ Watch OS is up to date
• ✅ Health app shows recent heart rate data

Try:

• Wait 30 seconds (HealthKit has delays)
• Restart both iPhone and Apple Watch
• Re-grant HealthKit permission

“Not receiving alerts”

Check:

• ✅ “Enable Alerts” is ON in app Settings
• ✅ Notification permission granted (Settings → Notifications → HeartSafeAlerts)
• ✅ Your heart rate is actually outside thresholds
• ✅ Not in grace period (first 5 seconds after connection)

Try:

• Test with extreme thresholds (e.g., min: 70, max: 80)
• Check Focus mode isn’t silencing alerts
• Restart the app

---

What’s Next?

Monitor Regularly

Use HeartSafeAlerts during:

• Workouts and training sessions
• Daily activities (with Apple Watch)
• Sleep (if concerned about night-time heart rate)
• Recovery periods after exercise

Adjust as Needed

• Fine-tune thresholds based on experience
• Experiment with different alert combinations
• Switch between Bluetooth and Apple Watch as needed

Stay Updated

• Watch GitHub for updates: https://github.com/brownsterbits/HeartSafeAlerts
• Check for app updates in App Store
• Join the community (GitHub Discussions)

Coming Soon: Care Circle

Q2 2025 - Optional premium feature ($2.99/month):

• Alert your loved ones when heart rate is concerning
• Family check-in workflows
• Weekly health summaries
• Historical data and trends

All current features stay FREE forever.

---

Need More Help?

• ❓ FAQ - Common questions answered
• 🛠️ Support - Detailed troubleshooting
• 🐛 GitHub Issues - Bug reports and feature requests
• 📧 Email - Direct support

---

Safety Reminders

⚠️ HeartSafeAlerts is NOT a medical device ⚠️ Do not use for diagnosis or treatment ⚠️ Not for emergency situations ⚠️ Always consult healthcare professionals

In an emergency: CALL 911 (US) or your local emergency number

---

Welcome to HeartSafeAlerts!

We’re glad you’re here. Our mission is to make heart rate monitoring accessible, reliable, and free for everyone who needs it.

Questions? Ideas? Feedback? We want to hear from you.

Email: bits@brownster.com GitHub: https://github.com/brownsterbits/HeartSafeAlerts

Happy monitoring! ❤️

---

HeartSafeAlerts Developed by Chad Brown Open Source: https://github.com/brownsterbits/HeartSafeAlerts

Making heart rate monitoring accessible to everyone.

Last Updated: January 16, 2025