Heart rate variability (HRV) and how to track it
Heart rate variability tells you how much the interval between consecutive heartbeats varies, and it reflects the state of your autonomic nervous system. Higher variability compared with your own level usually points to good recovery, but a single reading tells you little – the trend matters most.
You will need
- A heart rate strap or a smartwatch/ring that measures HRV
- A measuring app
- A few minutes in the morning
- Notes on your load
Steps
Understand what HRV measures
HRV is often given as an RMSSD value in milliseconds. The value is very individual and falls with age, so there's no point comparing your reading with other people's.
Choose how to measure
Measure in standard conditions
Establish a baseline
Follow the weekly average
Record background factors
Adjust your load
Remember the limits of the measure
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