Is higher than normal HRV better?

[phatbitzr]

I know the heart rate variability measurement implies it should be within a range, but higher is better. I don't take too much on the Sense 2's measurement, but now I have access to the readiness score, and a better readiness score correlates with the HRV being higher.

I usually measure my HRV with another app using a dedicated HRM. That app indicates a HRV that deviates too far from the norm means the sympathetic or parasympathetic system is too active, and that would result in a lower readiness score.

I know higher HRV means more fit, but does Fitbit's assume higher than norm HRV means one is more ready?

[RiekoC]

Hello @phatbitzr 

I'm not sure how the updated readiness score algorithm uses the Fitbit HRV value to determine fitness. I would think that if the HRV is above personal range, then it would affect the readiness score.

A user provided a rather detailed post about how Fitbit calculates HRV (<-- click link) that might interest you.

[phatbitzr]

Thanks.  In reading the explaination and further reading on RMSSD, it seems to only measure the parasympathetic nervous system, which is what slows down the heart rate and increases the HRV.  On the fitbit, it implies higher HRV is good, especially for the readiness score.  But on my other app, with a high HRV, it warns me that my parasympathetic nervous system is overly active, which could indicate my body could be recovering or overreaching.