The connection between heart rate variability (HRV), neurological health, and cognition: A literature review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cardiology
• Autonomic Nervous System Research

Background:

• The heart and brain exhibit bidirectional communication through autonomic regulation and hemodynamic links.
• Heart rate variability (HRV) quantifies beat-to-beat interval variations, serving as a key indicator of autonomic nervous system activity.
• Emerging research highlights heart rate fragmentation (HRF) as a potential confounder in HRV analysis, particularly in aging and cardiovascular disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To re-evaluate the interpretation of HRV in light of HRF.
• To clarify the role of the central autonomic network (CAN) in HRV regulation.
• To underscore the significance of accurate HRV assessment for understanding heart-brain interactions.

Main Methods:

• Discussion of novel findings concerning disorganized sinus rhythm and its quantification as HRF.
• Analysis of HRV regulation mechanisms, differentiating between HRF-affected and HRF-excluded data.
• Review of existing literature linking HRV to cognitive and emotional functions.

Main Results:

• HRF may lead to an overestimation of autonomic activity when analyzing HRV.
• HRV, when HRF is excluded, is primarily regulated by the central autonomic network (CAN).
• Altered HRV patterns are linked to diverse neurological and psychological conditions.

Conclusions:

• Accurate assessment of HRV, considering HRF, is crucial for understanding autonomic function.
• HRV is a valuable biomarker for cognitive functions, decision-making, and emotional regulation.
• Further research is needed to refine the understanding and application of heart-brain interaction dynamics.