HRV (Heart Rate Variability)

Hi All!

Comment: I have noticed a big drop in my HRV (Heart Rate Variability) since starting APAP.

Questions:
1. Anyone else see the same thing?
2. Can anyone point to any scientific literature on what this means and/or health impact?

Notes:
I use an Oura ring and have not noticed big improvements other areas (avergae pulse, lowest pulse, total time in REM, etc.)
Before posting I searched the forum for "HRV" and "Heart Rate Variability" and didn't find anything but I apologize in advance if this topic has already been covered by other posts.

Thanks!

How often does your ring average the pulse rates?
( for clarity, is your variability determined by comparing the averaged pulse rate in 5 minute chunks)

There is a potential tie in with OSA and PAP use. PAP use is reported to help to suppress episodes of AFIB.

AFIB , and particularity silent AFIB, can be detected in periods of significant heart rate variability .

And the reliability of instruments for home use are invariably
somewhat less reliable than clinical devices.
If your numbers seem to be more consistent, accept that--and move on.

chunkyfrog wrote: ↑

Fri Jul 22, 2022 10:39 am

And the reliability of instruments for home use are invariably
somewhat less reliable than clinical devices.

Fair enough statement, home devices are not clinical-class and should not be used to diagnose. That said, home devices may provide clues that may warrant further (clinical) investigation.
The graphic below is an example of pulse rate over time. Noticeable is the degree of HR variation (from one 5 minute period to the next).
https://imgur.com/awhrjpb

On this particular day, the patient was wearing a clinical-class Holter monitor that recorded AFIB coincident with the wide swings in heart rate.

Despositive linkage? No, but a clue that should be followed up.

Your cardiologist is more likely to rely on the Holter monitor.

chunkyfrog wrote: ↑

Fri Jul 22, 2022 6:33 pm

Your cardiologist is more likely to rely on the Holter monitor.

Of course, however for long term monitoring (to see the frequency of AFIB , particularity if they are silent - not accompanied discomfort) over periods of months- the monitoring of heart rate variations provides an inexpensive insight. At least my cardiologist agrees that it is a useful tool.

Regardless, diagnosis and/or alteration of treatment plans should always be done with medical grade devices.