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Convert bpm to Hz
#46710 07/06/10 9:51 AM
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filipespace Offline OP
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Hi,
How can i convert bpm to frequency (Hz)?
Re: Convert bpm to Hz
filipespace #46711 07/06/10 10:46 AM
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DaveC in Oz Offline
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Mmm, I don't think you can, they are not the same thing.

That being said, any complex waveform (ecg or whatever) can be expressed as a set of frequencies via a process called a "fast fourier transform" (at least my rather dim memory thinks so).
See here as a starting point
Now, the physicists and mathematicians amongst us will be better placed to advise but.......

As an aside, if you want to convert most things, try this . It's great and free !!

Last edited by DaveC in Oz; 07/06/10 10:49 AM.
Thoughts and information provided on this forum are mine and mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the policy of NSW Health. They may also be complete bollocks!!
Re: Convert bpm to Hz
filipespace #46712 07/06/10 10:52 AM
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In general:-

Code:
               speed of light (m/s)
  Frequency  = --------------------  Hz
                  wavelength (m)
                       
                        1
  Period     = --------------------  s
                  frequency (Hz)

               speed of light (m/s)
  Wavelength = --------------------  m
                  frequency (Hz)
                  
  ...where the speed of light is 2.998E+8 m/s
  (for most calculations 3E+8 is close enough)
  (notice that this is 300,000 km/s)

You could say that a heart rate of 60 BPM is 1 Hz (that is, 1 beat per second) ... 120 BPM 2 Hz, etc. But that would be an unusual choice of terminology (in the clinical context). smile

If you don't inspect ... don't expect.
Re: Convert bpm to Hz
Geoff Hannis #46713 07/06/10 11:21 AM
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filipespace Offline OP
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But if i have a patient simulator that generates for example a pulse wave with 30 bpm how can i verify if is reading right, there's no measure equipment that reads bpm smile my idea is to convert to frequency and verify if it is correct...
1 Hz is 60 BPM is wrong in medical context?
Re: Convert bpm to Hz
filipespace #46714 07/06/10 11:25 AM
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Easiest way is to use a stopwatch and count!

Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own.
Re: Convert bpm to Hz
Kawasaki #46715 07/06/10 11:33 AM
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DaveC in Oz Offline
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or to print and then use an "ECG ruler". This will convert the distance between the R waves into a BPM.

Thoughts and information provided on this forum are mine and mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the policy of NSW Health. They may also be complete bollocks!!
Re: Convert bpm to Hz
DaveC in Oz #46716 07/06/10 12:08 PM
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Mike Burns Offline
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Divide bpm by 60. Then from f = 1/t you get your answer. In your example for 30bpm:
30/60 = 0.5
1/0.5 = 2Hz
Re: Convert bpm to Hz
Mike Burns #46717 07/06/10 1:00 PM
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As has been stated by some.

1hz is a complete cycle of a wave within a second.(both positive and negative portion)

Therefore the higher the frequency (number of cycles) the greater the hertz.

If something beats at 60BPM thats one hertz. Something that beats at 120Bpm is 2Hz. 30Bpm is 0.5Hz.
Re: Convert bpm to Hz
bcarlisle #46720 07/06/10 2:29 PM
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for mike burns 30 Bmp is 2Hz, but bcaslisle 30 Bmp is 0,5Hz...
Who is right? smile
Re: Convert bpm to Hz
filipespace #46722 07/06/10 2:50 PM
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Originally Posted By: Mike Burns

1/0.5 = 2Hz


1/0.5 does give 2!

BPM/60 equals beats per second. That is, a frequency of beats per second. Think about it! smile

120/60 = 2.0
60/60 = 1.0
30/60 = 0.5

If you don't inspect ... don't expect.
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