The low-down on hrv:
Our brain and nervous system support our heart. HRV is the latest piece of our health puzzle - and this one is worth really taking note about. It is to do with the connection between our brain and heart and can be an indication of how healthy we are. The higher the number, the better in this case since the higher the number / the more variability between heart beats can mean you are able to adapt and adjust well to many different situations and changes. You are most likely less stressed, calmer and a happier person too (and thus sleeping better). And this is always good for both heart and brain.
Why is this important? We all know that Cardiac Disease rates increase with menopause - and after and personally I feel anything therefore we are doing to keep ourselves healthy, adjusted, on an even-keel (as much as is possible) and able to get back to rest-and-digest asap after a shocking/ stressful / exciteable moment/ occasion, the better all-round for our heart and brain health.
Check out this article below that explains it all. When HRV is in a good place it can benefit sleep, heart-health…..and shows how balanced your ANS (autonomic nervous system - a combo of our parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems) is:
"Heart rate is the number of times the heart beats per minute. HRV is a measure of the change in timing between successive heartbeats. Having variation in heart rate is not only completely normal but also necessary. Your heart is constantly keeping blood flow at a consistent level, keeping pace with your body's needs.
Your heart may beat at a steady rate of 60 beats per minute while you are resting. However, your heart rate may pick up to keep pace with your activities, such as if your alarm clock suddenly rings and you get up to face the day ahead.
Your heart rate also needs to increase during exercise to provide blood flow to your working muscles and distribute blood to carry oxygen throughout your body. If your heart rate did not increase, you would quickly become lightheaded and perhaps even faint.
Other factors that influence HRV include:
- Alcohol consumption
- Anxiety disorders, chronic stress, or depressio
- Coffee consumption
- Genetics
- Inflammation and infection
- Physiological factors like age, circadian rhythm, and gender
- Smoking
Click HERE to read the full article at Health.com
