Everything you need to know about Heart Rate Variability (HRV)

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Did you know that your heart doesn't beat like a perfect drum? The time between each heartbeat naturally varies and that's actually a good thing. We refer to this as heart rate variability or HRV.

You can measure your HRV with wearable devices such as the Apple Watch. HRV is a powerful measure of how well your body can adapt to stress, exercise and everyday life. It's controlled by your autonomic nervous system which has two parts: the sympathetic nervous system, your fight or flight response, and the parasympathetic nervous system, your rest and recover response.

HRV reflects how well these two systems are working together to keep you balanced. When it comes to fitness, HRV can be a game changer. A high HRV means your body is ready to handle stress and intense exercise.

A low HRV means it might be better to rest and focus on recovery. Tracking your HRV can help you fine-tune your workouts, prevent overtraining and even spot signs of stress early. Plus, things like better sleep, mindfulness and stress management can all boost your HRV and your overall health.

If you notice anything in your HRV or are unsure what the numbers mean, it's important to check in with a cardiologist. They can help you understand your numbers and guide you on the next best steps.