Heart Rate Variability

Heart Rate VariabilityIntroduction to heart rate variability tracking

Darragh O'Neill

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What is heart rate variability?Measure of the Variance between heart beatsMeasured over a period of time (1minute minimum)Gives an insight into how stressed our nervous system isIs a quantitative(numerical) measure of stressInfluenced by the autonomic nervous system(Automatic!)Divided into two branches

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Example of even heart rate( i.e. stressed response)

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Stressfull!!

Science bit!Autonomic nervous system is involved in regulating stress or arousal levelDivided into two branchesOne that speeds up our reactionsOne that slows down our reactionsLike an accelerator and a brake in your car

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Flight or flight response (Sympathetic response)Involved in events that trigger the safety of the individualClassic example being running away from a dangerous animal

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Rest and digest response (Parasympathetic response)Involved during restful and energy building activitiesDigestion of food being a key exampleRestful activities increase the signal to the parasympathetic nervous system(will get to these later)

Video explaining difference between the branches

Who measures hrv?AthletesExecutivesSilicon valley entrepreneursEveryday people who want to get more control over their life and Manage their stress better

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