Heart Rate Variability & Its Role In Holistic Care In Colorado Springs CO

Ever wondered how we assess your overall health as a Colorado Springs CO patient? One of the key metrics we use is Heart Rate Variability (HRV). But what exactly is HRV, and why is it so crucial in devising a comprehensive treatment plan?

What is HRV?

HRV, in simple terms, is the variation in the time between your heartbeats. This variation, whether it's low or high, provides us with valuable insights into the functioning of your autonomic nervous system. This system is responsible for controlling your body's automatic functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, breathing, and even sexual arousal. Assessing your HRV allows us to see how well your body can manage stress and recover.

High or Low HRV - Which is Best?

A high HRV indicates that an individual has a healthy autonomic nervous system that can deal with stress and return to normal, healthy functioning levels. For example, if a deadline is moved up unexpectedly and you become stressed, your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate increase. When a co-worker offers to do half the work for you, you feel relieved, and your body settles back down. Your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate return to normal. If your HRV were monitored during that time, it would indicate a healthy variation and an appropriate autonomic response.

Conversely, a low HRV is an indicator of reduced autonomic nervous system flexibility and is often associated with chronic stress, fatigue, and various health issues. Given the same example above, if you have low HRV, even when at a normal/high HRV, a stressor like a moved-up deadline spikes your autonomic functioning. And when the co-worker takes half the work, your blood pressure remains high, as do your heart and breathing rates. Reducing the stress of the deadline has no effect. You remain in a state of hyper-vigilance, wearing your body down.

It’s easy to see why a low HRV is so hard on our bodies and why it is so critical that it is addressed as soon as possible.

How Can Chiropractic Help In Colorado Springs CO?

Chiropractic adjustments can help improve nervous system function by correcting spinal misalignments (subluxations) that may interfere with nerve signaling. This can enhance the balance between the autonomic system’s sympathetic state(fight or flight) and parasympathetic state (rest and digest). By alleviating pain and tension in the musculoskeletal system, Chiropractic care can also reduce physical stress on the body, which may contribute to an improved HRV.

At True North, our doctors utilize a holistic approach that includes lifestyle advice, stress management techniques, and nutritional guidance in each individualized treatment plan, all of which can help reduce overall stress levels and improve HRV.

Reach out to our team today at (719) 301-5781 or visit our website to set up an appointment to have your HRV analyzed. Your body will thank you for it!