What is the difference between heart rhythm and heart-rate variability (HRV)?
Heart-rate variability is the naturally occurring, beat-to-beat variations in the time between heartbeats. It is these beat–to beat changes that make up the heart rhythm. A variety of factors, such as exercise, our thoughts and feelings and breathing patterns all influence our heart-rhythm patterns. Although thoughts and emotions can change heart-rhythm patterns, conversely, changing heart rhythms can affect other bodily systems as well, including the brain – its ability to process information, decision-making, problem-solving and creativity. Heart rhythms also can directly affect how you feel, and how you feel can affect your heart rhythms. A significant finding in this area of research is that we can intentionally experience certain positive feelings such as caring, compassion and love to advantageously affect our heart rhythms and overall well-being. Learn more about this topic at Heart-Rate Variability.
