Investigation of heart rate variability (HRV) in the Neuro Praxis Düsseldorf

An examination of HRV can provide important information about the state of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)

Heart rate variability (HRV) is the variability of the pauses between heartbeats. With each breath we take, there is an acceleration and subsequent deceleration of the heartbeat when we exhale.

An examination of HRV can provide important information about the state of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which regulates the function of the heart, blood vessels and other organs. Here are some of the benefits of studying HRV:

• Stress management: Low HRV is often interpreted as an indicator of increased stress levels and can help identify stress management strategies.
• Cardiovascular health: Low HRV can be an early sign of increased risk for cardiovascular disease.
• Disease monitoring: A change in HRV can be an early sign of certain health conditions such as heart failure, sleep apnoea or depression. Similarly, monitoring HRV can be helpful for conditions such as diabetes, asthma or chronic renal failure.
• Optimising training load: HRV monitoring can help athletes better optimise their training loads to avoid overtraining and injury.

The heart rate variability testing method captures these dynamic changes in the heartbeat and thus the body's ability to slow down and speed up the pulse.

The method is particularly suitable in neurology for the examination of

• circulatory disorders
• Polyneuropathies involving the internal organs,
• Fainting states
• Unclear falls
• Dizziness and vertigo.

The examination standard includes three clearly defined conditions:

• Deep and slow inhalation and exhalation in a predetermined rhythm.
• The short, forceful blow against a resistance, also called the "Valsalva manoeuvre ".
• The change from lying to standing.

All can be easily mastered.