What does heart rate measure?

Heart rate specifically measures the number of times the heart beats in one minute, which is a crucial indicator of cardiovascular health and fitness levels. It provides insights into how efficiently the heart is functioning, how hard the body is working during physical activity, and can indicate the overall fitness level of an individual.

Monitoring heart rate can help individuals gauge their intensity during exercise, assist in tailoring workout regimens, and provide critical feedback for training adaptations. While other options relate to important cardiovascular functions, heart rate directly quantifies the frequency of heartbeats, making it a fundamental metric for understanding heart function and overall physical condition.