Heart rate variability, or HRV for short, is a measure of the time interval between changes in heartbeats. With the advancement of technology, such as the Apple Watch, individuals can now track their HRV, which is measured in milliseconds.
While some medical professionals may argue that measuring HRV with a smartwatch may not be as accurate as specialized equipment, research has shown that an Apple Watch can be just as reliable as heart rate monitors from companies like Polar for measuring HRV.
Interestingly, a higher HRV is often linked to better overall health, happiness, and lower stress levels, and can also indicate when the body is ready for exercise or in need of rest. Many fitness and health experts believe that tracking HRV can provide valuable insights into the condition of the autonomic nervous system and help individuals understand when their body needs rest or is ready to work out.