HRV

Useful to Know About Heart Rate Variability (HRV): 

Definition: HRV is a measure of the variation in time between consecutive heartbeats. It is an important indicator of the body’s ability to adapt to different stressors, such as physical activity, stress, or travel. A high HRV indicates a good balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which control the body’s stress response and recovery. 

Individual variation: HRV is highly individual and can be affected by many factors, including: 

  • Age: HRV tends to decrease with age. 
  • Health status: Certain illnesses and medical conditions can affect HRV. 
  • Physical fitness: Regular exercise can improve HRV over time by strengthening 

the body’s ability to recover. 

  • Stress: High levels of stress can reduce HRV, as the body is in a state of constant 

alertness. 

  • Sleep quality: Good sleep is associated with higher HRV, as the body has enough 

time to rest and repair itself. 

Normal values: HRV can vary significantly from person to person: 

  • Typical range: From less than 20 milliseconds to over 120 milliseconds on 

average. 

  • A high HRV usually indicates good general health, physical fitness, and resilience 

to stress. 

  • A reduced HRV may suggest stress, overtraining, or potential health issues, and it can be a warning that the body needs rest or adjustments in lifestyle habits. 

Interpreting HRV: 

  • High HRV: Generally a sign of good health, effective recovery, and increased resilience to stress. It shows that the body can vary heart rate based on the demands it faces, whether it’s rest or activity. 
  • Low HRV: May indicate that the body is under strain, whether from physical stress, illness, or overtraining. Persistently low HRV can be a sign that the body is not adapting well to the stressors it is exposed to.