This is a bit different, so hang on. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is a numeric value that tells how your pulse is changing at a given time (grossly simplified). It is a dynamic, changing value that conveys information on how certain parts of your autonomic nervous system are working.

The higher the value the better as it reflects how adaptable your cardiac system is to changing conditions such as a heart attack. I have some basic biofeedback equipment that measures HRV. Mine is pretty much zero and my first cardiac excitement will probablybe my last.But in the meantime, I was wondering if other PWP had ever had theirs determined.

One reason for the question is a theory of repressed emotions as a cause of low HRV. Similar theories have been proposed for PD. Is there any truth to that, I wondered. Being in both groups, I could be a poster child for the pair, but how to know? Of course, all these musings were occurring while I was hooked up and watching the usual discouraging graph being traced on the screen.

Then serendipity struck in the guise of my big, dumb dog who decided that the cat should go upstairs and, witha good bit of barking, charged across the room to tell her so.

This very irritating interruption made me very mad for a moment. Yelling, cussing mad. Shouting "Bad Dog" across the room and having a strong desire to kick somebody.

Glancing at my laptop, I found that the graph had gone off the scale in the GOOD direction! What does it mean? HOW WOULD I KNOW?!?! DO I LOOK LIKE A BLASTED MINDREADER??? WHY DO I ALWAYS HAVE TO COME UP WITH THE WEIRD STUFF???

There, I feel better already.

From http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2007...al-responding/

"environment.

“… heart rate variability (HRV) is a measure of the continuous interplay between sympathetic and parasympathetic influences on heart rate that yields information about autonomic flexibility and thereby represents the capacity for regulated emotional responding.”

“HRV reflects the degree to which cardiac activity can be modulated to meet changing situational demands.”

Sorry, biofeedback equipment is not to be found in this 2 bedroom apartment.

So if our HRV is lower, does that explain why we have such a high incidence of depression? Does low HRV make us more susceptable to a low immune system thereby making us more susceptable to HIV?

Stay tuned as we continue to explore this and other questions on, A Day In The Shoes Of A Parky!!

Not too up on HRV but bradycardia is a common thing in P.D.
My average pulse rate is somewhere around between 42 and 50 beats per minute and I'm no athlete!
Been told it's all part of a day in the shoes of a parky ....well not exactly but I like that line Vicki!
It's related to our autonomic nervous system not functioning as it should
Cheers,
Lee

I thought Low pulse rate is healthy. Athlets have low pulse rate. Their hearts do not need need to pump fast for ordinary tasks and keep the high rate for heavy athletic feats.
I know this may be very simplistic and I wish to be corrected in simple language !
Imad

My blood pressure is low, but my heart rate is generally in the 80's or sometimes 90's. My blood pressure has been as low as 75/48. The nurse who took it didn't understand how I could remain on my feet. Everett brings up a good point. I have no idea what my HRV is because I do not have the tools to measure it. I do have a blood pressure cuff. I wish I could have the tool they use to measure oxygen in the blood, as when hospitalized, a nurse hooked me up to one at night. I finally had to ask for it to be removed because my oxygen in my blood kept dropping below 90% and the machine kept beeping and waking me up.

How can we know when our autonomous system is out of whack? Thanks Everett for bringing this subject up.

A dysfunctional autonomic nervous system isn't uncommon in PD.
A low pulse rate, low B.P. and sweating (although not necessarily all of these) are the main ones.
While a low pulse rate is normal for someone who is otherwise in good health and usually very fit it happens also in PWP.