Heart rate variability: Origins, methods, and interpretive caveats

Abstract

Components of heart rate variability have attracted considerable attention in psychology and medicine and have become important dependent measures in psychophysiology and behavioral medicine. Quantification and interpretation of heart rate variability, however, remain complex issues and are fraught with pitfalls. The present report (a) examines the physiological origins and mechanisms of heart rate variability, (b) considers quantitative approaches to measurement, and (c) highlights important caveats in the interpretation of heart rate variability. Summary guidelines for research in this area are outlined, and suggestions and prospects for future developments are considered.

Cardiac Vagal Control and Depressive Symptoms: The Moderating Role of Sleep Quality

“…CVC is linked to the functioning of one branch of the autonomic nervous system—the parasympathetic system—which is believed to subserve broad homeostatic functions (e.g., Berntson et al, 1997; Grossman & Taylor, 2007). The parasympathetic system influences heart rate via the vagus nerve, which originates in the brain stem and projects to many organs, including the heart.…”

“…The parasympathetic system influences heart rate via the vagus nerve, which originates in the brain stem and projects to many organs, including the heart. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia reflects the variation in heart rate that is related to the respiratory cycle and is thought to index CVC (e.g., Berntson et al, 1997). …”

“…Because both CVC and sleep vary across the lifespan and between genders (e.g., Carrier, Land, Buysse, Kupfer, & Monk, 2001; De Meersman & Stein, 2007), this first study in adults involved only young women to reduce these sources of variance. We assessed CVC by quantifying heart rate variability in the high-frequency spectral band (HF-HRV; Berntson et al, 1997) during an extended resting baseline in order to enhance reliability. To standardize mental activity and ensure a neutral character of this baseline assessment, we used a minimally demanding task in the form of a neutral film (as recommended by Jennings, Kamarck, Stewart, Eddy, & Johnson, 1992).…”

Heart rate variability is related to training load variables in interval running exercises

“…The heart is supplied with both sympathetic and vagal nerves, which affect cardiac pumping by changing the heart rate and the strength of contractions of the heart. Cardiac impulses are controlled by the membrane processes of sinoatrial (S-A) node, which is the pacemaker of the heart (Berntson et al 1997;Hainsworth, 1998). The intrinsic heart rate of a human, modulated by the S-A node, varies between 110-120 bpm at rest (Hainsworth, 1998).…”

“…According to Berntson et al (1997), the first documented observation of heart rate variability (HRV) is credited to Hales, who observed a respiratory pattern in the blood pressure and pulse of a horse in 1733. Later in 1847, Ludwig found a regular increase in pulse with inspiration and a decrease with expiration in dog.…”