For decades, scientists and physicians have been tracking heart health by recording blood pressure and heart rate readings. But within the last 20 years, another factor has shown to be an accurate indicator of fitness and overall health — heart rate variability, or HRV. Tracking HRV with a remote cardiac monitor from ReactDx can be a great way to improve your life.
Imagine how difficult your life would be if you had to concentrate on your heart beating faster as you climbed stairs. Thankfully, your body can maintain its heart rate without you thinking about it. Your autonomic, or automatic, nervous system handles this chore along with any other body functions you perform automatically, such as digestion and breathing.
Your autonomic nervous system is also in charge of supplying your body with information when you’re under stress. Stress changes your heart rate, and the more your heart rate varies, the healthier it seems you are. This is also known as your heart rate variability. Your HRV responds to good or bad sleep habits, healthy or poor eating, the positive or negative influence of your relationships, and exercise (or lack thereof). Unhealthy habits cause our autonomic nervous system to shift into overdrive, and if we remain stressed out, our heart rate remains rather static. On the flip side, a healthy lifestyle allows our heart rate to fluctuate between a slow, resting rate and an elevated rate when we exercise. Researchers have found that a low HRV is associated with cardiovascular disease and an increased risk of death, while a high HRV shows more resistance to the demands of stress and better cardiovascular fitness.
If your HRV does not change much during the day, you may wish to change at least one of your habits to see how it affects your health. By waking up just 15 minutes earlier and walking half a mile, your body will naturally increase your heart rate, and the endorphins your body produces will make you feel better during the entire day. You can make the changes by practicing meditation, sleeping more soundly, eating a balanced diet, and exercising. All of these factors will reduce stress and increase your HRV.
Improve your attitude by improving your HRV. Contact ReactDx today to learn how their remote cardiac monitors analyze rate, rhythm, morphology and P-wave function. Call ReactDx at 800-23-HEART to speak with one of our knowledgeable professionals about which monitor is best suited for you. Our blog page showcases many of our products as well as the latest information on cardiac health.
