People with restricted calorie intake were found to have a higher Heart Rate Variability (HRV) which is a marker of the heart’s ability to adapt to physical activity, stress and other stimuli. HRV decreases in many condition like heart disease, Hypertension, Obesity and Inflammatory diseases. It also slows with age. In a study of 44 participants with average age of 52 years, half restricted their calorie intake and were found to have higher HRV in additon to other markers like HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and blood pressure. The HRV was similar to that seen in healthy people in their 20′s and 30′s. So restricting calories may make your heart younger !
Prof. Sahasranam KV, MD, DM, Former Prof. & HOD Medical College | Senior Consultant Cardiologist
