A short LightState lesson · 1 of 5
What is heart rate variability?
A quieter explanation of the space between heartbeats.
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The space between beats
Your heart does not beat like a metronome. Even at a steady pulse, the time from one beat to the next changes slightly.
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That variation has a name
Heart rate variability, or HRV, describes the differences between successive heartbeat intervals. It's not the same as your heart rate.
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Your nervous system is involved
HRV is influenced by the autonomic nervous system, which helps regulate automatic processes such as heart rate, breathing and digestion.
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Numbers need context
HRV differs widely between people and changes with age, sleep, illness, training and measurement conditions. A higher number is not always better.
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Look for your own patterns
Readings taken in similar conditions over time may be more informative than comparing one day's number to someone else's.