Heart Rate Variability (Autonomic Nervous System Assessment)

The heart rate variability (HRV) test is well researched and provides a quick and easy assessment of autonomic nervous system function. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates the heart, breathing, circulation, body temperature, digestion, metabolism, and hormones, among other vital functions.

As illness materializes, or as the body gradually stops functioning normally by physiological and biochemical standards, the autonomic nervous system stops functioning optimally. Since this system regulates our internal organ function, without a healthy autonomic nervous system it is difficult to heal or maintain a healing condition.

The two parts of the ANS are the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic is our arousal system. It activates a fight-or-flight response when the body detects danger. The parasympathetic controls calming responses, such as sleep, relaxation, and nurturing. Many people’s parasympathetic systems have been weakened, and this may be seen on the heart rate variability test. Strengthening programs are then designed as part of a therapeutic program.

The HRV test lasts about ten minutes. A strap is placed around the chest that monitors 442 heartbeats, both when lying and standing. The machine measures the intervals between each heartbeat. In good health there is normally a very small but detectable variability of time between each heartbeat. When we stop functioning optimally, this variability narrows and gradually becomes rigid.

With this autonomic nervous system assessment, we can see how much functional reserve the patient has. This guides us in how much therapy can be tolerated at this time. We can also see the level of functioning of the patient’s general physiology.

The Heart Rate Variability Test is well researched and provides a quick and easy assessment of your autonomic nervous system function. The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) regulates your heart, breathing, circulation, body temperature, digestion, metabolism, hormone and other vital functions. As you become ill, or as your body gradually stops functioning normally by physiological and biochemical standards, the autonomic nervous system stops functioning optimally. Since this system regulates your internal organ function, without a healthy autonomic nervous system it is difficult to heal or maintain a healing condition.

The two parts of the Autonomic Nervous System are the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic is your arousal system. It activates afight or flight response when your body detects danger. The parasympathetic controls calming responses, such as sleep, relaxation and nurturing. Many people’s parasympathetic systems have been weakened, and this may be seen on the Heart Rate Variability Test. Strengthening programs are then designed as part of your program.

This test lasts about ten minutes. You will have a strap around your chest that will monitor 442 heartbeats, both when you are lying and then standing. The machine measures the intervals between each heartbeat. In good health, there is normally a very small but detectable variability of time between each heart beat. When we stop functioning optimally, this variability narrows and gradually becomes rigid.

With this Autonomic Nervous System Assessment, we can see how much functional reserve you have. This guides us in how much therapy you will be able to tolerate at this time. We can also see the level of functioning of your general physiology.

Some of the information included on this page is borrowed with permission from Robert Zieve, MD, www.pinetreeclinic.com