Quantitative Assessment of ANS based on heart rate variability analysis has been the subject of intensive research for the past four decades. Currently multiple facets of its theoretical and practical value encourage numerous cutting-edge investigational studies in both basic and clinical research. However, for many years this method has remained the privilege of research laboratories and was not accessible to medical practitioners, and only recently was recognized for its effectiveness in clinical use by the FDA, AAMI, ANSI, a number of health organizations and insurance companies. Medicine today faces the challenge of transferring heart rate variability analysis as a method of ANS assessment into routine medical practice, and it is our mission to assist in this project to extend the scope of this method from research into clinical practice. Hence, we included here an overview of theoretical and practical aspects of ANS assessment based on HRV, provided by courtesy of Alexander Riftine, PhD, a distinguished investigator recognized worldwide for his contribution in heart rate variability research.

This theoretical overview covers results of Dr. Riftine’s multiple investigational projects, uses statistical data accumulated over the period of 25 years, and incorporates findings of other published research studies in Heart Rate Variability analysis and ANS assessment. To illustrate typical cases of ANS reaction to controlled exercises, the author selected results from patients tested with Intellewave system, as this system is currently on the U.S. medical market.