Summary
HRV serves as a reliable biomarker for fibromyalgia severity, with lower HRV strongly correlating with worse symptoms. Patients with preserved HRV tend to respond better to treatment.
Methods
Clinical trial with linear and nonlinear HRV analysis
Key Findings
- HRV grade positively correlated with symptom severity (r=0.51)
- FM patients have significantly lower HRV than controls
- Impaired HRV reactivity to stress predicts worse outcomes
- Higher anxiety and depression associated with lowest HRV
- Some patients cluster with near-normal HRV and better outcomes
Limitations
Cross-sectional design, individual variation high
What This Means for You
If you have fibromyalgia, HRV tracking can help gauge your autonomic state. Interventions that improve HRV (breathing exercises, gentle movement) may help manage symptoms.
Source
Read the original paper in Scientific Reports ↗
Added to HRV Zone: 2025-01-10