Summary
HRV abnormalities appear in premotor phases of Parkinson's disease and correlate with disease progression. Lower HRV is associated with worse motor symptoms, cognitive decline, and freezing of gait.
Methods
Meta-analysis and longitudinal studies of HRV in PD
Key Findings
- PD associated with reduced overall HRV
- Both sympathetic and vagal activities decreased
- HRV alterations detected before motor symptoms appear
- Lower HRV predicts cognitive decline and mortality
- Freezing of gait linked to very low HRV in OFF states
Limitations
Medications affect HRV, complicating interpretation
What This Means for You
For people with Parkinson's, HRV tracking may help monitor disease progression and medication timing. Very low HRV may indicate need for medication adjustment or increased fall risk.
Source
Read the original paper in Parkinson School ↗
Added to HRV Zone: 2025-01-10