🫀 Heart Coherence: Powerful Biofeedback or Overrated Phenomenon?

In the world of stress regulation, coaching and vitality care you hear it more and more often: heart coherence . Influencing the autonomic nervous system and improving your heart rate variability (HRV) through breathing exercises. An attractive idea - and in many ways a valuable practice.

But how scientifically substantiated is the concept really? And what are the limits of heart coherence? In this article you will read about the 7 most important criticisms that every coach, healthcare professional or HR advisor should know.

🔍 What exactly is heart coherence?

Heart coherence refers to a physiological condition in which the heart rhythm exhibits a harmonious, sinusoidal pattern . This usually occurs during slow, rhythmic breathing (approximately 6 breaths per minute).

The effect:

• Increased parasympathetic activity (rest and recovery system)

• Improved HRV (heart rate variability)

• Feelings of calm, focus and resilience

Heart coherence is often achieved through breath coherence – a breathing technique focused on rhythm and relaxation.

❗ The 7 most important criticisms of heart coherence

Although heart coherence can certainly have positive effects, it is good to keep these critical notes in mind:

1. Vague scientific definition

The concept of "heart coherence" is not clearly defined in medical science. Many scientists prefer to speak of specific HRV measures (such as RMSSD or HF power) rather than a non-standardized 'coherence number'.

2. Commercial interests

Heart coherence is heavily tied to companies like the HeartMath Institute , which sell training, software and devices. Some scientists question the independence of studies funded by these parties.

3. Oversimplification of a complex system

The autonomic nervous system is not an on/off switch. Coherence is sometimes presented as a measure of health or relaxation, but in reality HRV is a multifactorial phenomenon .

4. Limited evidence from large-scale RCTs

Although there are promising smaller studies , large, independent, double-blind studies with active placebo groups are lacking. More evidence is needed for broad medical applications.

5. Risk of overestimation in therapy

Heart coherence is sometimes used as a stand-alone treatment for conditions such as burnout, anxiety or ADHD. But without clinical context or diagnosis, this can lead to suboptimal care .

6. Confusion between coherence and relaxation

A coherent heart rhythm does not automatically mean that you are relaxed. It can also occur during excitement, flow or concentration. The interpretation of HRV should always be contextual .

7. No standardization between apps and tools

Each HRV app (such as Elite HRV, Inner Balance or Garmin) uses its own algorithms for 'coherence'. This makes the scores difficult to compare and not very scientifically reproducible .

🎯 Conclusion: Heart coherence is unsuitable

HRV measurements are well-founded scientifically. However, the added value of heart coherence as a method to reduce stress is insufficiently proven and seems unlikely.