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Should heart rate variability be "corrected" for heart rate? Biological, quantitative, and interpretive
Eco J C de Geus1, Peter J Gianaros2, Ryan C Brindle3
1Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Psychophysiology
|October 26, 2018
Summary
Heart rate variability (HRV) metrics are often analyzed without considering mean heart rate. This study explores the relationship between heart period and HRV, urging careful interpretation and reporting for accurate biomedical and behavioral science applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Behavioral Science
- Physiology
Background:
- Heart period variability (HRV) metrics are widely used but often analyzed independently of mean heart rate.
- Existing HRV metrics demonstrate a positive correlation with mean heart period, necessitating investigation into their relationship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the biological, quantitative, and interpretive issues surrounding the correction of HRV metrics for mean heart period.
- To clarify whether HRV is solely a surrogate for heart period and identify knowledge gaps in current correction approaches.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on heart rate variability and heart period.
- Analysis of the relationship between HRV metrics and mean heart period.
- Identification of assumptions and limitations in current HRV analysis and correction methods.
Main Results:
- HRV metrics are not uniformly or simply surrogates for heart period.
- A known positive relationship exists between HRV metrics and mean heart period.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to address knowledge gaps in HRV correction approaches.
- Rigorous use and disciplined interpretation of HRV are crucial.
- Provisional guidance is offered for reporting HRV, acknowledging the interplay between mean heart period and its variability.
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