Summary
Meta-analysis found that people with hypertension have significantly lower HRV than normotensive individuals. The relationship is bidirectional—low HRV may predict future hypertension, and treating hypertension can improve HRV.
Methods
Meta-analysis of 22 studies comparing HRV in hypertensive vs normotensive adults
Key Findings
- Hypertensive individuals had 15-25% lower RMSSD on average
- Low HRV predicted incident hypertension in prospective studies
- Blood pressure medications (especially beta-blockers) improved HRV
- Exercise training improved both HRV and blood pressure
Limitations
Cross-sectional studies cannot establish causation
What This Means for You
If you have high blood pressure, expect lower HRV than average. The good news: lifestyle interventions that lower blood pressure (exercise, stress reduction, weight loss) also tend to improve HRV.
Source
Read the original paper in Journal of Hypertension ↗
Added to HRV Zone: 2025-01-09