Women Want Strong Men Is Your HRV Normal? A Cardiologist Breaks Down Your Oura Ring Metrics
Mar 17, 2025
Dr. Michael Twyman, a cardiologist from St. Louis, sheds light on the often-misunderstood world of heart rate variability (HRV) and wearable technology like the Oura Ring. He explains how HRV is influenced by factors such as illness and lifestyle choices, including alcohol consumption. Listeners learn about the accuracy of different devices and the significance of sleep metrics. Plus, Dr. Twyman shares tips on how to interpret HRV data effectively, helping users optimize their health and fitness routines.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
HRV Explained
- HRV measures the time difference between heartbeats in milliseconds, reflecting the autonomic nervous system's response to stress.
- It's calculated using EKGs by measuring the RR interval between QRS complexes.
HRV Measurement Accuracy
- The Oura Ring measures HRV using photoplethysmography (PPG), which is less accurate than EKGs but correlates at 98%.
- Chest straps offer more accurate HRV readings by directly measuring electrical activity from the heart.
Interpreting HRV Data
- Compare your HRV data to your own baseline rather than others', as HRV naturally decreases with age.
- Use the Oura Ring to track HRV trends, focusing on changes rather than absolute numbers.