HRRVerlauf

HRRVerlauf is a term used in exercise physiology and cardiology to describe the time course of heart rate recovery after the end of physical activity. In German-language contexts it refers to the trajectory by which the heart rate declines during the early recovery period, often analyzed over seconds to minutes following cessation of exertion. The concept emphasizes the dynamic pattern of autonomic reactivation that follows exercise.

Measurement and modeling of the HRRVerlauf rely on continuous heart rate monitoring during the recovery phase. Commonly reported metrics include HRR1, the drop in heart rate from peak exercise to one minute into recovery, and subsequent HRR values at later time points (e.g., HRR2, HRR3). The recovery trajectory can be described using simple differences, slopes, or more complex models such as exponential decay to reflect the rate of parasympathetic reactivation and sympathetic withdrawal.

Clinical relevance of the HRRVerlauf lies in its association with autonomic nervous system function and cardiovascular risk. A faster or steeper HRRVerlauf generally indicates healthier autonomic balance and is linked to lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in various populations. Conversely, a blunted or slower HRRVerlauf may signal autonomic dysfunction and higher risk, and it is sometimes used in risk stratification after myocardial infarction, in heart failure, or in endurance athletes to monitor training adaptation. Interpretation should consider protocol standardization and measurement context.

Factors influencing the HRRVerlauf include age, sex, fitness level, medications (notably beta-blockers), obesity, diabetes, and caffeine or alcohol intake. Standardization of the exercise protocol and recovery conditions, as well as the use of validated measurement devices, are important for reliable comparisons across individuals or studies.

See also: Heart rate recovery, Autonomic nervous system, Exercise physiology.