With the rise of health-monitoring technology, tracking heart rate variability (HRV) is gaining attention as a possible indicator of resilience and flexibility in handling stress.

What is HRV?

HRV measures the variation in time between heartbeats, controlled by the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS, which includes the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (relaxation) systems, helps regulate essential bodily functions like heart rate, breathing, and digestion. The brain, through the hypothalamus, processes signals from the ANS and directs the body to either stimulate or relax these functions based on external and internal stimuli.

Persistent stress, poor sleep, unhealthy habits, or a lack of exercise can throw this balance off, making the fight-or-flight response dominant and reducing HRV.

Measuring HRV

The most accurate way to measure HRV is with an electrocardiogram, but apps and wearable devices offer more accessible options. Chest strap monitors are generally more accurate than wrist-based devices.

Tracking HRV might provide insights into the balance of your nervous system. Higher HRV suggests better cardiovascular fitness and stress resilience, while lower HRV may indicate the body is in a prolonged fight-or-flight state.

HRV and Well-being

HRV might offer feedback on lifestyle habits. For example, mindfulness, better sleep, and physical activity may improve HRV. This data can be useful for those who enjoy tracking their body’s response to emotional and physical stimuli.

The Bottom Line

While there are still questions about the accuracy and reliability of HRV tracking, it might offer insights into how your body responds to daily experiences. However, it shouldn’t be relied on as a definitive measure of health — consider it one piece of a larger puzzle.