Summary
Adults with histories of childhood trauma show persistently reduced HRV compared to those without adverse childhood experiences, even decades later. This may partly explain the link between early trauma and adult health problems.
Methods
Meta-analysis of studies examining ACEs and adult HRV
Key Findings
- Childhood trauma associated with 10-20% lower adult RMSSD
- Dose-response relationship: more trauma = lower HRV
- Effects persisted after controlling for current stress
- Reduced vagal tone may mediate trauma-health connection
- Some evidence that therapy can improve HRV over time
Limitations
Retrospective trauma assessment, varied definitions of trauma
What This Means for You
If you have a history of childhood trauma and low HRV, this may be partly related. The good news: trauma-informed therapy and HRV-focused interventions may help improve autonomic function over time.
Source
Read the original paper in Psychosomatic Medicine ↗
Added to HRV Zone: 2025-01-10