Biofeedback, part 5

Electrocardiology and Heart Rate Variability Feedback (HRV) The electrocardiogram (ECG) records the electric impulses of the heart. In biofeedback those are rarely used what is used however is the HRV (Heart Rate Variability). What is it? HRV is calculated by the elapsed time in between heart beats. It is directly related to the sinoatrial node (or the pacemaker) of the heart. It joins the sympathetic and the parasympathetic branches of the autonomous nervous system. A lack of variation could signal an imbalance between these two, and a sign of poor cardiac health. Decrease one (parasympathetic) or increase the other (sympathetic) and there is an increase occurrence of arrhythmias. Low levels of HRV are related to mortality, myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease, and congestive heart failure. Yes you guessed right, people who exercise or endurance athletes have higher HRV. How can we achieve this in the untrained individual, increasing HRV? This is possible by showing them how to become calm and relaxed and to concentrate on breathing. People are just now beginning to get a grasp of this interesting application. Tomorrow: the conclusion: Training and Credentials of Biofeedback Therapists Beste Gesundheit, Werner PS: Further reading on HRV would be: Lown and Verrier, 1976 Tsuji, Vendetti, Manders, 1994 Tsuji, Larson, Vendetti, 1996 Boutcher et al, 1997 Gevirtz, Lehrer, 2003