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Heart rate variability (HRV) is generated by the interaction of multiple regulatory mechanisms that operate on different time scales. This article examines the regulation of the heart, the meaning of HRV, Thayer and Lane's neurovisceral integration model, the sources of HRV, HRV frequency and time domain measurements, Porges's polyvagal theory, and resonance frequency breathing. The medical implications of HRV biofeedback for cardiovascular rehabilitation and inflammatory disorders are considered.

Keywords: heart rate variability ; respiration ; autonomic nervous system ; biofeedback
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Figure 1.

Systole and diastole. Credit: udaix/Shutterstock.com.

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Figure 2.

The generation of the electrocardiogram. Credit: Alila Sao Mai/Shutterstock.com.

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Figure 3.

The generation of the electrocardiogram. Credit: Alila Sao Mai/Shutterstock.com.

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Figure 4.

Interbeat interval.

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Figure 5.

Electrocardiogram chest placement.

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Figure 6.

Baroreflex. Credit: Alila Sao Mai/Shutterstock.com.

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Figure 7.

Low low-frequency/high-frequency ratio. Credit: luchschen/Shutterstock.com.

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Figure 8.

High low-frequency/high-frequency ratio. Credit: luchschen/Shutterstock.com.

Contributor Notes

Correspondence: Fred Shaffer, PhD, BCB, Truman State University, Department of Psychology, Kirksville, MO, email: [email protected].