Heart Rate Recovery (HRR) Index Postpartum Calculator

Heart Rate Recovery (HRR) Index Postpartum: Explanation and Clinical Context The Heart Rate Recovery (HRR) index postpartum is a measure of autonomic cardiovascular function following exercise in postpartum women. HRR is calculated as the difference between peak heart rate during exercise and heart rate measured one minute after cessation of exercise (HRR = HR_peak − HR_1min). A normal HRR at 1 minute postpartum is generally >12 bpm, indicating appropriate parasympathetic reactivation.

Blunted HRR (<12 bpm) has been associated with impaired cardiovascular autonomic regulation and increased risk of postpartum cardiovascular complications. This tool helps clinicians assess postpartum cardiac autonomic recovery, identify women at risk, and guide safe exercise and rehabilitation recommendations.