Heart rate variability (HRV) is a measure of the beat-to-beat changes in heart rate. It is a well-established and clinically-validated marker of autonomic nervous system (ANS) balance, with increases in HRV indicating a more balanced ANS.
There are many factors that can influence HRV, including physical activity, stress, emotions, and even the time of day. In general, increases in HRV are considered to be a good thing, and are associated with better health.
There are a number of ways to measure HRV. Until now, one of the most common has been through the use of a heart rate monitor, but with the NEUROFIT app, HRV can be measured through most modern mobile phone cameras in just one minute.
To maximize data consistency, it's best to take measurements at the same time each day, and in the same conditions (e.g. after waking up and before breakfast).
HRV is a useful tool to help you understand how your body is responding to different stressors. By tracking your HRV with NEUROFIT over time, you can form a better picture of how your body is coping with stress and how different life aspects and habits are impacting the nervous system, and understand which adjustments will lend themselves best to a regulated nervous system.
Andrew is Co-CEO at NEUROFIT, and a Caltech graduate with 10 years of tech + product experience touching millions of lives at NASA, Snapchat, Headspace, Yale's Center For Emotional Intelligence, and his own wellness startups.
After facing two decades of chronic stress, burnout and C-PSTD, he launched NEUROFIT to provide an effective, data-driven, and accessible solution to these challenges.