vellum-heartbeat

Name: vellum-heartbeat
Availability: InStock
Author: Vellum

Configure and run periodic HEARTBEAT.md checklists in background conversations.

1.0k|158|Updated Feb 7, 2026

Search Tags:#automation #checklist #config #scheduling #health #heartbeat #background-task

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/vellum-ai/vellum-assistant --skill vellum-heartbeat

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: vellum-heartbeat
Source: https://github.com/vellum-ai/vellum-assistant/tree/main/skills/vellum-heartbeat
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/vellum-ai/vellum-assistant --skill vellum-heartbeat

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

The heartbeat feature runs a periodic checklist in the background, executing a HEARTBEAT.md workflow and surfacing items that need attention.

Core Features & Use Cases

Schedule and run a recurring checklist at configurable intervals.
Restrict runs to specific active hours and ensure changes apply on restart.
Keep background health checks isolated from active conversations to avoid disruption.

Quick Start

Enable heartbeat by setting heartbeat.enabled to true in config.json and defining HEARTBEAT.md with your checklist, then restart the assistant to apply changes.

Frequently Asked Questions about vellum-heartbeat

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I automate a periodic checklist for background health monitoring?▼

To automate a periodic checklist, enable heartbeat in config.json, define your checklist in HEARTBEAT.md, and restart the assistant. The heartbeat feature runs recurring background tasks at configurable intervals to monitor ongoing health.

What is a background heartbeat and how does it work with active conversations?▼

A background heartbeat executes a periodic checklist in a separate background conversation, keeping health checks isolated from active chats to avoid disruption. It runs a HEARTBEAT.md workflow and surfaces items needing attention.

How do I configure heartbeat intervals and restrict runs to specific active hours?▼

Configure heartbeat intervals and optional active hours by adjusting settings in config.json. Changes require an assistant restart to take effect, ensuring the periodic checklist runs only during specified active hours.

Can I use background heartbeat tasks for long-running assistant sessions?▼

Yes, background heartbeat tasks are designed for long-running assistant sessions. They execute periodic checklists in the background, providing ongoing health monitoring across extended sessions without interrupting active work.

Why are my heartbeat configuration changes not applying immediately?▼

Heartbeat configuration changes require an assistant restart to take effect. After modifying heartbeat settings or HEARTBEAT.md, restart the assistant to ensure the new periodic checklist intervals and active hours are applied.

What are the limitations of running background heartbeat tasks?▼

Background heartbeat tasks run in a separate background conversation and require an assistant restart to apply setting changes. Active hours restrictions apply, and the periodic checklist operates independently from active chat sessions.