Heart rate variability over the decades: a scoping review

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Physiology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Heart rate variability (HRV) quantifies autonomic nervous system (ANS) influence on heart rate.
• HRV analysis is crucial for assessing cardiac autonomic function and potential clinical applications.
• Existing literature presents contradictions and a lack of standardized protocols for HRV measurement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an extensive overview of HRV measurement techniques, applications, and limitations in healthcare.
• To explore the prognostic and condition assessment potential of HRV.
• To identify research gaps and barriers to HRV adoption in clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review of literature reviews on HRV was conducted.
• Databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science.
• The review covered literature from the past fifty years.

Main Results:

• Significant research gaps and contradictions in HRV literature were identified.
• Absence of standardized protocols complicates establishing consistent HRV baseline values.
• Lack of pulse rate variability (PRV) protocols with advanced sensors impedes HRV research.
• Barriers to clinical adoption include device unfamiliarity, data accuracy concerns, and limited clinical trials.

Conclusions:

• Despite challenges, HRV remains significant for assessing cardiac autonomic function.
• Further research is needed to clarify the link between abnormal HRV and health issues.
• Standardized protocols and clinical validation are essential for advancing HRV applications.