Heart rate variability (HRV) is a measurement of the the variation in time between each heartbeat. Autonomic nerve system is a part of the nerve system that controls and regulates the internal organs without any conscious recognition or effort by the organism. It connects between mind and body. The autonomic nervous system is also called the vegetative nervous system. It is divided into two components — the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.
Sympathetic system connects the internal organ to the brain by spinal nerves. When stimulated these nerves prepare the organism for stress by increasing heart rate, increasing the blood flow to the muscle and decreasing flow to the skin. The sympathetic system is more commonly known as the fight or flight response. Meanwhile, the parasympathetic system is better known as the relaxation response. Nerve fibres of parasympathetic nervous system are cranial nerves, primarily the vagus nerves and the lumbo- sacral nerves. When stimulated, these nerves increases the digestive secretion and reduce the heart beat. Alterations in sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity result in beat to beat heart rate variation, and hence, this variation reflects autonomic nervous system activity.
Arrhythmia refers to the abnormal beating of the heart. It can indicate a heartbeat that is too slow, fast, or erratic. Heart rate variability on the other hand, simply refers to the fluctuation in time between adjacent heartbeats.
When the sympathetic nervous system has greater influence, the heart speeds up and heart rate variability decreases. The smaller the standard deviation in R- R intervals (N- N) shows lowered HRV value. Conversely when the para sympathetic influence slows down the heart rate and increases HRV.
Heart rate is increasing on inspiration and decreasing on expiration normally. Duration of each beat varies both of inspiration and expiration. It is considered that an increase of difference in heartbeats is better for health and longevity.
Greater HRV is associated with better health and performance. People who have a high heart rate variability may have greater cardiovascular fitness and may be more resilient to stress.
Some people notice their HRV fluctuates dramatically throughout the day while others notice their HRV is relatively consistent. HRV is the indication of the quality of balance between mind and body.
SDNN denotes the longest difference seen in R- R intervals. Normal value of SDNN is not less than 50 ms and not more than 150 ms.
r MSSD is an indication of parasympathetic activities and its normal value is not less than 20 ms and not more than 50 ms.
Heart rate variability is assessed based on taking multiple tracing on different periods. Heart rate variability is higher in morning and lower in night.
Low value of HRV shows the number of bouts of stress in daily life is high. High value shows the incidence of stress in routine life is less.
High value is also an indication of sinus arrhythmia due to deep abdominal breathing and relaxation mood.
Heart Rate Variability Normal values
Age | SDNN Standard deviation of N-N intervals | r MSSD (Root Mean Square of the Successive Differences of RR intervals)
|
1 - 20
| 90 - 280 ms. | 20 - 90 ms. |
20 - 40
| 70 - 210 ms.
Female/Male | 16 - 60 ms. |
40 - 60
| 60 - 180 ms. Female/Male | 15 - 55 ms. |
60 - 80
| 50 - 150 ms. Female/Male | 10 - 35 ms. |
80 - 90
| 45 - 140 ms. Female/Male | 7 - 25 ms. |
| Chronically HRV | |
Unhealthy | 0- 30 ms. | Constant R-R intervals. |
Compromised health
| 50 -100 ms. Female/Male | 20 - 50 ms. |
Healthy | 100+ ms. Male | 30 - 60 ms
|
Abnormal value |
SDNN < 30 ms. Female
< 50 ms. Male |
R MSSD < 10 ms. (Stress). *
> 105 ms. (Atrial fibrillation with low heart rate). |
Sinus arrhythmia (Causes)
Radiation effects.
Young adult.
Respiration.
Head injury.
Diabetes.
Hypertension.
Stroke.
Hypoxia.
AV Block 3rd degree (with PVEBs)
*
Arrhythmia (Causes)
Sick Sinus Syndrome.
Sinus arrest (Prolonged, & irregular P- P interval).
SA Block.
AV Block.
Atrial fibrillation.
Heart failure.
Some features of sympathetic nerve system (SNS)
Symmetrical & hormonal action.
Weak digestion.
Pupils are dilated.
Ciliary dilation.
Lens are flattened.
Bronchial dilation.
Bronchial dryness.
Bronchial blood vessels are constricted.
Rapid breathing.
Increased calcium ions in cardiac muscle cells.
Increased sodium ions.
Tachycardia.
Paroxysmal tachycardia.
Weak digestion.
Slow gastric downward motility.
Sodium absorption increased.
Anus sphincters constriction.
Detrusor dilation.
Internal sphincter constriction.
Urine retention.
Female orgasm.
Uterine contraction.
increased blood circulation in muscles.
Skeletal muscle contraction.
Energy loss.
Osteoporosis early.
Cutaneous vessels constricted.
Skin pale, cold.
Peripheral vaso constriction.
Hypertension.
Blood vessels spasm.
Atherosclerosis.
Vasculitis chronic.
Sweat secretion increased.
Sensitive to external stimuli.
Liver glycogenolysis.
Hyperglycaemia.
Lipolysis.
Blood triglycerides level increased.
Blood cholesterol increased.
Gluconeogenesis in the liver from triglycerides.
Adrenaline excess.
Low insulin.
Hyperkalemia from liver cells with hyperglycemia.
Active mental state.
Overworking nature.
Prefers hobbies.
Depression.
Anxiety.
Sympathetic mood.
Enjoyment.
Emotion.
Stress.
Pride.
Ego.
Influence of social media.
Fear of diseases.
Fear in darkness.
Fright.
Flight.
Fight.
Threat.
Pain.
Inflammatory enzymes increased.
Acidosis.
Weak immunity.
Catabolic.
Hyperthyroid.
Responding to warmth.
Speedy breathing.
Inspiration rate increased.
Overexertion.
Susceptibility to radiation effects.
Trauma.
Sweating.
Evening.
A. Items that decrease HRV value (Sympathomimetic).
Adrenaline, Cortisol; Ephedra, Lobelia, Glycyrrhiza, Tabacum, Latrodectus (Some items have remedial actions).Strong tea.
Alcohol.
Increased sodium.
Increased calcium.
Hypokalemia.
Hypomagnesemia.
Warm temperature.
Blue color.
Red color.
Late and large meal.
Processed food.
Heavy exercises.
Inspiration.
Diabetes.
Hypertension.
Obesity.
B. Items that decrease HRV value (Para sympatholytic).
Aconitum, Belladonna, Hyoscyamus, Stramonium, Duboisia, Curare, Nuxvomica, Camphor, Botulism toxin (Some items have remedial actions).
Coffee.
Calcium.
Sodium.
Acids.
Spices.
Warmth.
Stimulant.
C. Cardiac stimulants (Items that decreasing the HRV value; Some have depressant like action. Remedies)
Convallaria, Tabacum, Lobelia, Myrrh, Nuxvomica, Ignatia, Camphor, Coffea, Thea sinensis, Belladonna, Stramonium, Hyoscyamus, Cactus, Adonis vernalis, Iberis amara, Quassia amara, Lillium tigrinum, Ginseng, Sinapis nigra, Spartium, Capsicum, Zingiber, Aspidosperma, Ginko biloba, Granatum, Xanthoxylum, Kola, Natrum mur, Ammonium carb, Arsenic album.
Some features of parasympathetic nerve system (PNS)
Pupils are constricted.
Ciliary muscle contraction.
Lens globular.
Lachrymation is increased.
Salivation is increased.
Nasal secretion is increased.
Moist mouth.
breathing is deep.
The breathing rate is Low.
Moist bronchi.
Expiration period is increased.
Inhibition on SA node.
calcium ions in the SA node are less.
sodium ions in SA node are less.
Bradycardia.
Gastric hyperacidity.
Digestion is increased.
Mucus secretion is increased.
G.I tract -Sphincters open.
Smooth muscle contraction.
Male erection transient.
Detrusor muscle contracted.
Involuntary urination.
Promotes the immune system.
Prefer Inactivity.
Peace and Relaxation.
Prefer rest.
Sleep.
Meditation.
Thinking.
Adaptation.
Recovery.
Sitting.
Journey.
Writing.
Wisdom.
Alkalosis.
Energy saving.
Anabolic.
Love.
Comfortable.
Longevity.
Freedom.
Morning rhythm.
Inhibition by blue color (UV).
Anti-inflammatory.
Healing.
Increased immunity.
Causes of high HRV
Expiration.
Vagus stimulation.
Hypoxia.
Head injury.
A. Items that helpful to increase the HRV value (Sympatholytic).
Calcium antagonist (Remedies).
Magnesium.
Depressants.
Analgesic.
Slow breathing practices (Modified method suggested).
Scalp massage.
Rest.
Love.
Good sleep.
Meditation.
Healthy diet.
Fresh food.
Crataegus, Rauwolfia, Secale cor, Lycopus virginicus, Veratrum viride, Yohimbinum, Viscum album, Aristolochia, Senega, Asaram, Galega (Some items have remedial actions).
B. Items that helpful to increase HRV value (Parasympathomimetic).
Spinal massage.
Extreme cold temperature.
Potassium.
Grapes.
Egg yolk.
Digitalis, Oleander, Strophanthus, Cinchona, Gelsemium, Berberis vulgaris, Zingiber, Arctium lappa, Lycopodium, Pilocarpus, Cinnamon, Allium sativa, Crocus sativa, Agaricus muscarius, Fenugreek, Physostigma; Latrodectus (Widow black spider toxicity). Celastrus paniculata (Some items have remedial actions).
C. Cardiac depressant (Items that increasing the HRV value, Medicines; Some have stimulant like action. Remedies)
Aconitum, Cratageus, Digitalis, Strophanthus, Oleander, Cinchona, Gelsemium, Veratrum viride, Helleborus, Pulsatilla, Jaborandi, Colchicum, Viscum album, Thuja, Salvia, Allium sativa, Asafetida, Apocyanum, Sulphur, Potassium, Magnesium.
Other measures for increase the HRV value
High quality diet.
Fresh fruits and vegetables.
Easily digestible and nutritious diet.
Colored vegetables and fruits.
Restrict white sugar and refined carbohydrates.
Animal diet.
Correct anemia.
Practice deep breathing exercises (Modified).
Pranayama.
Enjoy mild physical exercises.
Hydration.
Promote day time activities and reduce night activities.
Prefer 8 hours night sleep.
Prefer left lateral position for sleep.
Use good and soft mattress and pillow for sleeping. Prefer lateral position during sleeping. Use medium mattress for sleeping on back. Prefer firm mattress for sleeping on abdomen. Avoid blue colored curtain in bed room.
Promote dermal massage.
Control anger.
Control the mood.
Keep optimum body weight (Height in cm-100).
Keep easy job.
Work hard.
Find measures to increase productivity.
Find new measures to adapt environments.
Reduce salt and sweets.
Promote humor.
Avoid air pollution.
Correct obstructive pulmonary diseases.
Neglect all unnecessary topics seen in surrounding.
Control over ambition.
Avoid unnecessary surgery.
Avoid unnecessary medication.
Prefer homeopathic method.
Kick the bad habits.
Enjoy sympatholytic medicines.
Enjoy para sympathomimetic medicines.
Enjoy individualized Para sympatholytic remedies.
Enjoy sympathomimetic remedies (Tabacum remedies).
|
Sympathetic
system
|
Para
Sympathetic system
|
|
< 30.
|
> 150.
|
|
Premature ageing.
Fear.
Inspiration.
Over work.
Insomnia.
Toxin.
Fever.
Overeating.
Pollution.
Tobacco.
Obesity.
Genetics.
Radiation.
Alcohol.
Microbes.
Warm miasm.
|
Childhood.
Calmness.
Expiration.
Laziness.
-
toxin
chilliness.
starvation.
Pollution.
Tobacco.
Obesity.
Genetics.
Radiation.
-
Microbes.
Cold miasm.
|
|
Self-healing mechanism.
Homeostasis.
|
Self - healing mechanism.
Homeostasis.
|
|
Practice deep breathing.
Practice exercises to lower rate of breathing.
|
Physical exercises.
Running. Walk speedily.
|
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