Heart rate variability

HRV numbers vary hugely between people and devices, so compare with your own usual numbers. Here is this week against your normal.

Your details

This week's average HRV
Your usual average
Your usual day to day swing

Your app may show a baseline and a normal range. The swing is roughly half the width of that range.

This week's HRV compared with your own normal

Below your usual range

-13.3% on your usual average

  • This week's average52 ms
  • Your usual average60 ms
  • Your usual range (average plus or minus one swing)54 to 66 ms
  • Swings from your usual-1.3

There is no normal HRV number to aim for: it varies hugely between people and devices. Researchers who track athletes compare weekly averages with the person's own baseline, because single mornings bounce around. A week below your range often goes with hard training, poor sleep, stress, alcohol or a cold coming on, so it is a nudge to go easier, not a diagnosis.

Stop and get help if you have chest pain, feel faint or are unusually breathless. Call 999 for chest pain that does not go away. Check with your GP before a big step up if you have a heart, lung or joint condition.

The working

This week 52 ms, usual 60 ms, usual swing 6 ms

Your usual range is 54 to 66 ms. This week's 52 ms is 13% below your average and 1.3 swings below it, so it is below your usual range. That is a nudge to go easier, not a diagnosis.

Why weekly averages

From the research

Researchers tracking elite endurance athletes found weekly averages of morning HRV were more useful than single readings, which bounce around from day to day. Comparing a week with your own longer term baseline is the same idea.

Common reasons for a dip

Worth checking

  • Hard training in the last few days
  • Short or poor sleep
  • Stress
  • Alcohol
  • A cold or illness starting

Read with care

What this cannot tell you

  • Compare you with othersThere is no normal HRV number to aim for.
  • Diagnose anythingHRV is a trend tool, not a health test.
  • Compare devicesDifferent devices measure it differently; stick to one.

Questions

Common questions

What is a good HRV?

There is no single good number. It varies with age, genes and device, so compare with your own normal.

Why is my HRV low this week?

Hard training, poor sleep, stress, alcohol and illness are common reasons.

Should I skip training if my HRV is low?

A week below your range is a reason to go easier. One low morning on its own is less meaningful.

How should I measure HRV?

The same way each day, ideally first thing in the morning, with the same device.

Sources

Last checked 21 October 2026. Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we will fix it.

When to get your heart checked

Speak to your GP if your heart rate is often unusually fast, slow or irregular, especially with dizziness, breathlessness or fainting. Call 999 for chest pain that does not go away or if you think someone is having a heart attack.

Related

Related calculators