ZOE Science & Nutrition

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


Listen Later

Is your smartwatch just a fun gadget, or a serious medical device? 

In this episode, Jonathan Wolf is joined by Dr. Malcolm Findlay, a leading consultant cardiologist, to explore the powerful health data available on your wrist. They decode the most misunderstood metric, Heart Rate Variability (HRV), and reveal how your wearable can provide clinical-grade insights into your heart's health.

Dr. Findlay explains the counter-intuitive science behind HRV — why more ‘wobble’ in your heartbeat is a sign of good health — and breaks down the two opposing nervous systems that control it. He shares the latest on how these devices can accurately detect serious conditions like atrial fibrillation and why he, as a cardiologist, trusts the ECG function on a consumer smartwatch to make diagnoses.

For listeners who track their own data, this episode is a practical guide to what your numbers actually mean. Dr. Findlay explains how to interpret your personal HRV trends, what constitutes a significant change, and when you should use the ECG feature. He also debunks common myths about heart rate zones, revealing the level of exercise intensity that truly benefits your long-term health.

The episode concludes with an empowering look at how this technology is shifting control into our own hands. Can a simple alert from your watch really help prevent a catastrophic event like a stroke? Discover which metrics matter most and how to use them to guide your wellness journey.

🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member at zoe.com

Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily 30+ *Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system.

Timecodes 

00:06 Quick-fire questions on heart health

01:45 What is heart rate variability (HRV)?

03:05 Is a steady heart rate a healthy sign?

05:15 Atrial fibrillation makes HRV an invalid measure

07:30 What controls our heart rate?

10:00 Your heart is much more than a pump

11:10 Your thoughts can directly affect your heart

13:45 What lifestyle factors influence your HRV score?

15:15 How does stress impact your HRV?

17:15 Your watch's ECG is a clinical-grade tool

20:20 Wearables can help diagnose serious heart conditions

23:45 Are expensive wearables more accurate?

26:20 Does diet impact your HRV score?

29:15 How to track your HRV score correctly

30:00 Don't panic about small HRV fluctuations

32:30 When to use your watch's ECG function

34:10 The truth about heart rate training zones

36:50 The minimum exercise for a healthy heart

37:40 Does sleep consistency matter?

39:50 What is VO2 max and does it matter?

41:10 Stop comparing your health data to others

41:50 Key takeaways from the episode

📚Books by our ZOE Scientists The Food For Life Cookbook Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector

Free resources from ZOE Live Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & Nutrition Gut Guide - For a Healthier Microbiome in Weeks

Studies referenced for today's episode Heart rate variability: standards of measurement, physiological interpretation and clinical use, 1996, European Heart Journal Diagnostic Accuracy of a Smartwatch App for the Detection of Atrial Fibrillation, 2019, The New England Journal of Medicine The Effects of Alcohol on Heart Rate Variability and Heart Rate, 2017, The American Journal of Cardiology The relationship between mental stress and heart rate variability, 2007, Journal of Psychosomatic Research

Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here. Episode transcripts are available here.


...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

ZOE Science & NutritionBy ZOE

  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6

4.6

1,538 ratings


More shows like ZOE Science & Nutrition

View all
Inside Health by BBC Radio 4

Inside Health

85 Listeners

The Liz Earle Wellbeing Show by Liz Earle

The Liz Earle Wellbeing Show

252 Listeners

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett by DOAC

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

8,470 Listeners

The Doctor's Kitchen Podcast by Dr Rupy Aujla

The Doctor's Kitchen Podcast

646 Listeners

Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee by Dr Rangan Chatterjee: GP & Author

Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

4,085 Listeners

The Proof with Simon Hill by Live better for longer

The Proof with Simon Hill

2,608 Listeners

The Wellness Scoop by The Wellness Scoop

The Wellness Scoop

1,338 Listeners

Food For Thought by Rhiannon Lambert

Food For Thought

201 Listeners

The Dr Louise Newson Podcast by Dr Louise Newson

The Dr Louise Newson Podcast

259 Listeners

Postcards From Midlife by Lorraine Candy & Trish Halpin

Postcards From Midlife

141 Listeners

The Mid•Point with Gabby Logan by Spiritland Creative

The Mid•Point with Gabby Logan

187 Listeners

Just One Thing - with Michael Mosley by BBC Radio 4

Just One Thing - with Michael Mosley

212 Listeners

The Rest Is Politics by Goalhanger

The Rest Is Politics

3,240 Listeners

Begin Again with Davina McCall by Begin Again

Begin Again with Davina McCall

583 Listeners

What's Up Docs? by BBC Radio 4

What's Up Docs?

102 Listeners