Impact of Heart Rate Variability on Physiological Stress: Systematic Review
Amr Farhan1,2,3*
, Aissam Lyazidi1,2 , Badreddine Labakoum1,2 , Mourad Rattal1,2 and Azeddine Mouhsen11Hassan First University of Settat, Radiation-Matter Instrumentation Laboratory (RMI), Settat, Morocco.
2Hassan First University of Settat, Higher Institute of Health Sciences (ISSS), Laboratory of Health Sciences and Technologies, Settat, Morocco.
3Authority of Al-Thawra Hospital Taiz, Yemen.
Corresponding Author E-mail:amrfarhan70@gmail.com
Abstract: Chronic stress overactivates the sympathetic nervous system, which alters the body, mind, and behavior. Purpose Stress can indeed be employed to preserve homeostasis when there is a physical or mental imbalance brought on by damaging stimuli. Currently, there isn't a standard reference point for quantifying stress. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to assess studies that support the use of heart rate variability (HRV) as an indicator of stress. Methods and Materials: Studies concerning HRV that have been published in bibliographic database from 2013 to 2023 were firstly selected. A total of 181 articles were found, 69 in Elsevier, 51 in Google Scholar, 38 PubMed, and 23 in other databases. The criteria selected were human study, HRV reactivity and the HRV as an objective indicator of psychological stress. Only human study was restrained. Finally, ten publications that fit criteria were found. Results: Majority of research selected found that HRV components changed in response to stress brought on by diverse techniques. The most often cited component associated with variance in HRV variables was a drop in the high-frequency band and an increase in the low-frequency band, both of which are markers of diminished parasympathetic activity. HRV may be related to cortical areas that are engaged in evaluating stressful situations, according to neuroimaging research. Conclusion: The findings support the use of HRV for the purpose of evaluating stress and mental health objectively, and neurobiological data suggests that HRV is impacted by stress reactions.
Keywords: Autonomic nervous System; ECG; Heart Rate Variability; Stress Back to TOC