This 20 minute video was so interesting — The Longevity Metric Nobody Is Tracking (It’s Hiding in Your Smartwatch):
We’ll cover:
- What heart rate variability actually measures
- How the autonomic nervous system (sympathetic vs parasympathetic) controls it
- Why low HRV predicts cardiovascular disease, sudden cardiac death, insulin resistance, and accelerated biological ageing
- How HRV connects to inflammation (CRP), visceral fat, and metabolic health
- What counts as a “good” HRV (RMSSD ranges explained)
- How alcohol, poor sleep, stress, and overtraining suppress vagal tone
- Science-backed ways to improve HRV — including Zone 2 cardio, VO₂ max training, breathwork, sleep optimisation, and stress regulation
- How to use HRV as a daily behaviour feedback tool (without becoming obsessive)