Heartbeat monitoring refers to checking periodic signals a system sends out to indicate its operational status, allowing for early detection of potential issues and ensuring uninterrupted functionality. It is often used in conjunction with synthetic monitoring to detect user-facing problems early. By implementing heartbeat monitoring, developers can increase the reliability of their products, reduce downtime, and improve overall system availability. The Checkly platform provides a simple way to set up and manage heartbeat checks, allowing users to track their system's operational status and receive alerts when issues arise.