What is heart rate variability (HRV)?
A healthy heart doesn't tick like a metronome. The gaps between beats stretch and shorten as your nervous system responds to breathing, stress and recovery. That variation is heart rate variability.
What it tells you
- More variation at rest usually means your body is recovering well.
- Less can mean fatigue, illness, stress or alcohol.
- HRV naturally declines with age and differs a lot between people.
How to use it
Compare yourself with yourself. Measure at the same time each day — ideally on waking — and watch the weekly direction rather than any single number.
FAQ
- Which HRV number does the app show?
- RMSSD on every reading. PRO adds SDNN, pNN50 and beat-to-beat spread.
- Why is my HRV different from my friend's?
- Age, fitness, genetics and even breathing make HRV very individual. Your own baseline is the useful comparison.
Your pulse in 45 seconds
Heart Rate & Health - Novaz reads your heart rate from your iPhone camera, with HRV, stress, energy and a Heart Score. No account — your data stays on your phone. A wellness app, not a medical device.
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