HRV vs. VO2 max vs. ECG: Which wearable metric ACTUALLY matters? | Prof. Malcolm Findlay

What It Covers

Professor Malcolm Findlay explains which wearable health metrics actually matter for heart health, revealing that ECG measurements provide clinical-grade diagnostics while HRV serves as a useful wellness indicator rather than actionable health data.

Key Questions Answered

• •ECG accuracy: Wearable devices produce clinical-quality electrocardiograms that cardiologists use for actual diagnoses, particularly detecting atrial fibrillation which affects one in five people and increases stroke risk if untreated with blood thinners.
• •HRV interpretation: Heart rate variability reflects nervous system balance but varies widely between individuals (30s to 70s range). Track personal changes over weeks, not days—a shift from 33 to 38 indicates meaningful health improvement.
• •Exercise heart rate: Reaching 110-120 beats per minute during activity provides substantial cardiac benefits without extreme training. Aim for two hours weekly minimum at this level rather than pursuing higher intensity zones for longevity.
• •Sleep consistency: Maintaining regular sleep-wake times directly improves HRV measurements by supporting circadian rhythms. Irregular schedules create jet lag effects that disrupt sleep quality and reduce parasympathetic nervous system activity, lowering overall wellness markers.