Overview
If you have a heart rhythm irregularity such as arrhythmia or atrial fibrillation (A-fib) and are wondering how it affects using emWave products, here’s what you need to know.
How emWave Calculates Metrics
The emWave systems (including emWave Pro, emWave2, and compatible technologies) measure heart rhythm patterns using heart rate variability (HRV). This works well when the heart is in normal sinus rhythm.
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The coherence algorithm is designed for regular heartbeat patterns.
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When there are frequent irregular beats — like those that occur during atrial fibrillation — the software often shows artifacts (misreadings), and coherence scores may not be accurate or meaningful.
Effects of Medication
If you are taking medications such as beta-blockers to control your arrhythmia:
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These drugs can influence your HRV measurements.
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Some medications may reduce HRV readings because they slow the heart rate.
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Other medications — depending on dosage — may show artificially high variability or alter coherence outcomes.
Using emWave for Practice and Self-Regulation
Even though the coherence scores may not be technically accurate during irregular heart rhythms:
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Many users with arrhythmia or A-fib still benefit from HeartMath techniques for emotional regulation and stress reduction.
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Practicing HeartMath tools can help some individuals feel more balanced and can support overall well-being — though devices like emWave cannot diagnose or monitor arrhythmia events directly.
When emWave Can Be Used
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You can use emWave or Inner Balance technology when your heart rhythm is in normal sinus rhythm.
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Irregular or rapid rhythms (e.g., during an active A-fib episode) may cause the device to show unreliable coherence data.
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This is due to how HRV algorithms interpret beat-to-beat timing; arrhythmias disrupt that regularity.
Important Notes
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emWave devices and associated software are not medical diagnostic tools. They should not be used to diagnose or monitor arrhythmia or other heart conditions.
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If you have a known heart rhythm condition or experience symptoms such as skipped beats, racing heart, or dizziness, consult a qualified medical professional.
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HeartMath technology can be helpful for stress management and coherence training, even if it cannot capture precise HRV data during irregular heart rhythms.
Summary
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Arrhythmia or A-fib can cause artifacts or unreliable coherence scores with emWave devices.
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Medications like beta-blockers may affect HRV readings.
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You can still practice HeartMath techniques for emotional regulation and well-being.
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emWave is not intended as a medical device for arrhythmia diagnosis