Onto Fitness Australia

Improving Your HRV Heart Rate Variability

An HRV (Heart Rate Variability) of 39ms can be considered low, depending on your age, fitness level, and overall health. HRV measures the variation in time between consecutive heartbeats, and it is generally regarded as a marker of your autonomic nervous system’s health and your body’s resilience to stress. Higher HRV is often associated with good cardiovascular health, better fitness levels, and effective stress management, while lower HRV can indicate stress, fatigue, or underlying health issues.

Interpreting Your HRV:

  • Low HRV: For most adults, an HRV below 50ms is considered low and may indicate stress, overtraining, inadequate sleep, dehydration, or a poor diet.
  • Factors Affecting HRV: Age, gender, fitness level, genetics, and overall health all influence HRV. Typically, younger, healthier, and fitter individuals have higher HRV.

Ways to Improve HRV:

  1. Regular Physical Activity: Engage in regular aerobic exercise, such as walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming. Strength training and flexibility exercises like yoga can also help.
  2. Manage Stress: Incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or mindfulness practices to help balance your autonomic nervous system.
  3. Quality Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Establish a regular sleep schedule, create a calming bedtime routine, and optimize your sleep environment.
  4. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can lower HRV, so make sure you drink enough water throughout the day.
  5. Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet rich in whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Avoid excessive caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods.
  6. Supplementation: Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and adaptogens like ashwagandha may support heart health and stress management.
  7. Avoid Overtraining: Ensure you have a balance between exercise and recovery. Include rest days and lighter workout days to allow your body to recover.
  8. Regular Check-Ups: If you have underlying health conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or sleep apnea, managing them effectively can improve HRV.