Lots of people are talking about heart rate variability (HRV) these days, at least those interested in keeping their tabs open. About sleep, recuperation, performance, or general wellness.
What is it more precisely?
Heart rate variability, often known as HRV, is a physiological phenomenon that refers to variations in the number of milliseconds between successive heartbeats. When examining the milliseconds between heartbeats, a typical, healthy heart does not beat uniformly like a metronome, but rather there is continual variance. It differs from our heart rate (measured in beats per minute), which rises and falls as we go about our everyday activities, in that we are generally not acutely aware of this oscillation.
How to properly measure?
Accurate monitoring of each pulse and the interval between them is necessary for reliable HRV analysis. Your HRV is calculated using a variety of methods, like a smartwatch, or a chest strap.
Autonomic Nervous System and Heart Rate Variability
Sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) are controlling HRV. Which is recognized as a non-invasive indicator of autonomic nervous system function. The sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system, often known as the fight-or-flight mechanism, prepares us to act, respond, and perform in order to fulfill the many demands.
HRV matters?
When you are engaging in calming activities like meditation or sleep, when the parasympathetic nervous system should predominate, HRV should rise in a typical, healthy scenario. Contrarily, during times of stress, when increased sympathetic activity aids the body in meeting the requirement, HRV normally declines. As a result, HRV is often higher during periods of slow heartbeat and lower during periods of rapid heartbeat, like those associated with stress or exercise.
Bottom line
You can use an HRV monitoring software that provide you with detailed information about your health, stress levels, recuperation, and nervous system balance. Here you can find one or a second one (acquired by Garmin) – Useful apps/tools for Android or iOS.
