Summary
Large study found that measured (phenotypic) HRV strongly predicts all-cause mortality, but genetically predicted HRV does not—suggesting that lifestyle factors driving HRV matter more than genetic predisposition.
Methods
Prospective study with 7-year median follow-up comparing phenotypic HRV to genetic risk scores
Key Findings
- Lower phenotypic HRV associated with higher mortality risk
- Genetically predicted HRV not associated with mortality
- Suggests lifestyle factors more important than genetics
- HRV is modifiable and modification may impact longevity
Limitations
Genetic scores may not capture all HRV-related variants
What This Means for You
Your HRV is not your genetic destiny. This study suggests that lifestyle factors that influence HRV—sleep, exercise, stress management—may be more important for longevity than your genetic baseline. You can meaningfully change your HRV trajectory.
Source
Read the original paper in Communications Biology ↗
Added to HRV Zone: 2026-01-21