Summary
Following total hip arthroplasty, HRV decreases for at least 9 days post-surgery before gradually returning to baseline. Understanding this pattern helps set realistic recovery expectations.
Methods
Continuous HRV monitoring from 4 days pre to 9 days post-surgery
Key Findings
- SDNN and total power decreased post-surgery
- HRV remained suppressed for at least 9 days
- Return to preoperative values by 6-52 weeks
- Trend toward increased HRV leading up to surgery
- HRV may predict postoperative outcomes
Limitations
Single surgery type, individual variation
What This Means for You
After major surgery, expect suppressed HRV for days to weeks. Don't compare to your pre-surgery baseline immediately. Gradual HRV improvement can help track your recovery progress.
Source
Read the original paper in Journal of Clinical Monitoring and Computing ↗
Added to HRV Zone: 2025-01-10