Heartbeats -Analyzing Heart Rates Eleanor Tsang and Carol Xu A.R. MacNeill Secondary Floor Location: M121H

During this Science Fair, we have conducted three experiments relating to heartbeats. We were able to determine our results by analyzing heart rates. Looking in depth about heartbeats and heart rates is extremely interesting as the heart is one of the most vital organ of the body. Its every beat is the assurance of life to all organisms.

In our heartbeat experiment, we have investigated through three factors that have ultimately been proven to affect the rates of hearts. These three factors are relatable to most people and are simply, drinking Coke, listening to metal music and eating chocolate fingers. The purpose of this experiment was to find out whether or not doing these actions would impact the heart in any way. In order to measure the heart rates for the experiment, we had also specially constructed a high tech stethoscope that has the ability of recording the beats of the heart. This was useful in determining the final heart rates.

For each of the three mini experiments conducted, we had taken our heart rates before the experiment and after completing the experiment. One experiment was completed each day and at a specific time in order to sustain the accuracy of the results. After the experiments were finished in three days, we had compared our heart rates from before each experiment and after. In conclusion, we had discovered that both listening to metal music and drinking Coke increases the heart rate while eating chocolate does not really affect the heart rate.

The three experiments that we have conducted are just a little steps compared to the many endless possibilities in further research of the heart. There are many medical researchers striving to find out answers to inquiries regarding to how factors can affect the heart and causes diseases. It is important for people to understand what may affect the heart in order to fully protect themselves from becoming a victim. Further possible research topics in this field are: Do meat eaters have higher heart rates than vegetarians? Do athletes’ regular heart rates differ from people who barely exercise? Does drinking coffee have a greater impact on the heart or drinking coke? By looking at these problems, many people can already unravel some of the scientific mysteries regarding the heart.