Exemplary embodiments provide a bioimpedance sensor array for use in fluid flow detection applications, such as heart rate detection. Aspects of the exemplary embodiment include determining an optimal sub-array in a bioimpedance sensor array comprising more than four bioimpedance sensors arranged on a base such that the sensor array straddles or otherwise addresses a blood vessel when worn by a user； passing an electrical signal through at least a first portion of the bioimpedance sensors in the optimal sub-array to the user； measuring one or more bioimpedance values from the electrical signal using a second portion of the bioimpedance sensors in the optimal sub-array； and analyzing at least a fluid bioimpedance contribution from the one or more bioimpedance values.
