The Renaissance of Heart Rate Variability as a Predictor of Cognitive Functioning

Heart rate variability (HRV) is defined as variation in the time interval between heartbeats. It is determined by interactions between the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system. Low HRV is an indicator of autonomic dysfunction and is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and events that are also related to lower levels of performance on cognitive tests.¹ Poor cognitive performance associated with reduced HRV may thus be a consequence of HRV-associated risk factors or, more directly, the failure of the autonomic nervous system to properly regulate brain perfusion. The article by Zeki Al Hazzouri et al.² in this issue of the American Journal of Hypertension signifies the rebirth of interest in relations between HRV and cognition.

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