Heart Rate Recovery

Yes. Reflects cardiac autonomic function; vagal tone recovery. Poor HRR (< 12 bpm) associated with higher mortality risk independent of fitness level. Predictor of cardiovascular disease.

Yes. Aerobic training (running, cycling, swimming), meditation (vagal tone), reducing stress. Improvements seen in 4–8 weeks. Better fitness = faster HRR.

Poor cardiovascular fitness, autonomic dysfunction (diabetes, neuropathy), beta-blocker use (masks HRR), deconditioning, chronic stress, sleep deprivation. See cardiologist if concerning.