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The study of heart rate variability (HRV) is a method used to evaluate an individual's health status and the impact of stress on the body. HRV refers to the small fluctuations in the duration of the cardiac cycle, which occur during inhalation and exhalation, as well as due to the complex interaction of hemodynamic, electrophysiological, and chemical processes within the body. It is measured by examining the degree of change in heart rate over a specific period of time. The time intervals between consecutive heartbeats are referred to as cardiointervals, measured in milliseconds (msec). If these intervals are relatively constant with minimal variation, the HRV is considered low. Conversely, if the durations of these intervals vary widely, the HRV is considered high. A decrease in pulse variability in a healthy individual is regarded as an indication of regulatory process impairment.
In contrast to the standard pulse variability test that employs electrocardiography methods and electrical contacts, the LifePulsePro system utilizes a photometric pulse sensor. This sensor records the parameters of the actual pulse wave from the peripheral pulse, rather than focusing on the electrical excitation pulses of the heart. Consequently, the system examines pulse waves that propagate after the heart's electrical impulses and the release of blood into the body's cardiovascular system. This method aligns more closely with the principles of Oriental medicine. Additionally, it allows for the utilization of the mathematical framework developed for assessing heart rate variability using electrocardio monitoring and provides additional insights into changes in the amplitude of the pulse wave based on the body's condition and the influence of internal and external factors. The analysis and processing of pulse recording results in the LifePulsePro system adhere to widely accepted methods, incorporating the standard mathematical tools used for assessing heart rate variability. Factors such as the patient's gender (male or female) and age are taken into account during the analysis and interpretation of the results. HRV serves as a non-invasive tool for assessing overall cardiovascular health. It provides insights into the autonomic nervous system's balance between sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) activities, which play a crucial role in regulating heart rate and cardiovascular function. Studies have shown that individuals with reduced HRV are more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, myocardial infarction (heart attack), congestive heart failure, and arrhythmias. Moreover, diminished HRV is linked to an increased risk of mortality in patients with existing heart conditions. Regular monitoring of HRV can offer important clinical information. By analyzing HRV patterns, healthcare professionals can gain insights into the patient's physiological response to stress, exercise, medication, and various interventions. This information can guide treatment decisions and help assess the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. Improving HRV has become an important therapeutic goal in managing cardiovascular health. Lifestyle modifications, including regular physical activity, stress reduction techniques (such as meditation or deep breathing exercises), and a healthy diet, have been shown to positively influence HRV. Additionally, certain medications and treatments targeting the autonomic nervous system can help restore and optimize HRV. In summary, heart rate variability is a valuable marker for overall cardiovascular health. Its assessment provides insights into the functioning of the autonomic nervous system and cardiovascular control mechanisms. Monitoring HRV can assist in identifying individuals at risk for cardiovascular diseases and guide therapeutic interventions aimed at improving cardiovascular health. |
| Part 1. HRV test module.
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Part 2. Analysis of the HRV test results.
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