What can HRV data tell us about healthspan?

HRV is a measurement of the elapsed time between heartbeats. It is a window into your cardiovascular fitness and ability to respond to stress. Generally, higher HRV suggests better fitness and stress resilience.

Study Summary

A study hypothesized that low HRV is a predictor of poor health. This research associated low HRV with an increased risk of coronary heart disease and mortality from several causes.

Research also shows that low HRV correlates with all-cause mortality and morbidity.

Recent research suggests that better HRV is related to exceptional longevity.

The Hearty Take

When HRV increases it indicates activation of the body’s relaxation system, the parasympathetic nervous system – suggesting improvements in stress resilience and recovery. At Hearty we recommend that you use a wearable device to establish an HRV baseline range over the course of a few weeks. Then try to monitor the changes in HRV from there. Investigate how your HRV changes throughout the day. Support your HRV with cold or heat exposure, forest bathing, adequate sleep, meditation and intermittent fasting.