Heres what this health metric really indicates, according to cardiologists.
Regardless, we asked the experts to explain everything you should probably know about it.
What Is Heart Rate Variability?
Heart rate variability is the variance in the timing between each heartbeat, says Dr. Mo.
Sometimes your heart will beat every second, and sometimes it’ll beat after 1.1 seconds or 0.9 seconds.
There’s a difference, or variance, in the timing between each beat.
This is your heart rate variability.
What Does Heart Rate Variability Tell You?
These two sides are always opposing one another to create some form of balance in your body.
HRV is one reflection of what is going on in the sympathetic versus parasympathetic “battle”.
Generally, a higher HRV indicates that your body is relaxed and recovered, Dr. Maglione explains.
A low HRV can signal that your body may be stressed.
While this seems straightforward enough, Dr. Horwich says that HRV is quite intricate.
What’s a Normal HRV Range?
“In general, HRV decreases with age, and the ‘normal’ range has significant variability.”
Which Lifestyle Factors Impact HRV?
Your HRV decreases, or “worsens,” naturally as you age.
“But they currently don’t really know the physiological basis for why that happens.”
Dr. Mo says it may be tied to the effect of these behaviors on the autonomic nervous system.
How Can You Track Your HRV?
That said, fitness trackers can help you gauge HRV trends over time, Dr. Maglione says.
“Dont fixate on individual readingslook at overall patterns instead.
If your HRV is consistently trending lower, its a signal to slow down,” he says.
You may want to speak to your doctor if you’ve noticed a stark change over time.
And keep in mind that HRV can fluctuate for any reason, Dr. Maglione says.
How Much Attention Should You Pay HRV as a Health Metric?
And remember, that HRV isn’t the only measure of overall cardiovascular health.
“Consulting with your doctor and starting an exercise program is recommended.”
