What is Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
When we think of our heart rate, we generally think of a number between 60 and 90 beats per minute. This number actually represents our average heart rate. In fact, your heart rate changes from beat to beat. When you inhale your heart rate speeds up and when you exhale it slows down. So rather than referring to a fixed pulse of, say, 60, the heart rate will actually vary between, say, 55 and 65. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is a measure of this naturally occurring irregularity in the heart rate.
What does my HRV tell me?
HRV is a measure of the patterns embedded in the heartbeat and a reflection of the autonomic nervous system. The nervous system, heart rate, blood pressure regulation and respiration are under control of autonomic nervous system. HRV is an excellent indicator of many health parameters.