Heart Rate Variability: The Key to Understanding Your Physiology
With the rise of wearables and a focus on longevity, Heart Rate Variability (HRV) has become an important health metric. HRV reflects cardiovascular health, nervous system balance, and overall recovery. Since lifestyle choices influence HRV, improving it can enhance longevity and well-being.
What is HRV?
HRV measures the variation in time between heartbeats (in milliseconds), where a higher HRV indicates lower stress and better recovery. Regular exercise, stress management, and positive social interactions support higher HRV. However, chronic stress reduces HRV by over activating the sympathetic ("fight-or-flight") nervous system while suppressing the parasympathetic ("rest and digest") system.
The vagus nerve, which regulates parasympathetic activation, can be strengthened through deep breathing techniques, mindfulness, and exercise.
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