Heart Rate Variability

Heart Rate Variability

Heart rate variability (HRV) is the physiological phenomenon of variation in the time interval between heartbeats. It is measured by the variation in the beat-to-beat interval.

Other terms used include: "cycle length variability", "RR variability" (where R is a point corresponding to the peak of the QRS complex of the ECG wave; and RR is the interval between successive Rs), and "heart period variability".

See also Heart rate turbulence, Sinus rhythm.

Methods used to detect beats include: ECG, blood pressure, and the pulse wave signal derived from a photoplethysmograph (PPG). ECG is considered superior because it provides a clear waveform, which makes it easier to exclude heartbeats not originating in the sinoatrial node. The term "NN" is used in place of RR to emphasize the fact that the processed beats are "normal" beats.

Read more about Heart Rate Variability:  Clinical Significance, Mental and Social Aspects, Variation, Heart Rate Variability Phenomena, HRV Artifact, HRV Analysis, Duration and Circumstances of ECG Recording, Changes of HRV Related To Specific Pathologies, Modifications of HRV By Specific Interventions, Normal Values of Standard Measures of HRV

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