Global Factors That Influence HRV
chapter 2
Key-Questions that are answered in this chapter:
- Why does HRV differ between individuals?
- How do age, sex, genetics, and lifestyle influence HRV?
- Which environmental and acute stressors affect HRV?
Key-Takeaways from this chapter:
- HRV is shaped by relatively stable factors, including age, genetics, and hormonal influences.
- Illness, alcohol, temperature, altitude, pollution, and other acute stressors can alter HRV.
- Population averages provide context, but individual trends are more useful for personal decisions.
- find out more below -
Lifestyle can improve HRV - but within the boundaries set by age, biology, and genetics.
- HRV declines with age and varies with sex, hormones, and the menstrual cycle
- Around 60% of individuals differences may be genetically influenced
- Higher BMI, illness, alcohol, stress, poor sleep and nighttime screen use can lower HRV
- Heat, pollution, weather and altitude can temporarily reduce HRV
