ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses heart rate variability (HRV) analysis as a tool to identify improvement in cardiac function following cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the most significant health issue in Australia and worldwide. CR programs were developed as a means of slowing CVD progression and the associated health burden. HRV has traditionally been measured by linear methods in the time and frequency domain. Time-domain measures are based on simple statistical methods, either derived from the heart rate or the differences between them. The benefits of exercise for both the primary and secondary reduction of cardiovascular-related mortality have been extensively documented. Formal exercise prescription in CR is based on the findings of either a maximal or submaximal exercise test. CR interventions are now routine management for patients with CVD as a preventative measure or following cardiac intervention. A large amount of research has shown that exercise programs are capable of inducing both peripheral and cardiopulmonary adaptations that improve health outcomes.
