A low heart rate variability, on the other hand, suggests you’re getting stuck in one state – most commonly, that stressed-out fight-or-flight mode. Modern life, after all, is full of stressors that can rev up the nervous system, from traffic jams to work deadlines.
Consider an automated temperature control system in a building. Ideally, the system should adjust to small variations in outdoor climate to keep you comfortable inside. If the system gets stuck at one temperature – blasting at high heat even on an unseasonably warm spring day, say – that’s not a good thing. You’ll be left sweltering (and tempted to call the repairman). Your body isn’t so different. When your system is in proper balance, it should be highly responsive to different internal and external cues.
What heart rate variability says about your health
Cardiologists use heart rate variability, along with other metrics, to assess how well your heart is working and look for warning signs of disease. Bhatt’s research, for example, suggests heart rate variability data can help identify atrial fibrillation, a potentially serious form of arrhythmia.
Some athletes also use their heart rate variability score to assess how well their body is recovering from strenuous physical efforts. Ideally, heart rate variability should dip during a hard workout, then rise again afterwards. If it stays depressed for days after a gym session, that suggests the body needs extra rest to get back to full strength.
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