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Heartbeats could predict female libido, according to a new study.

Low heart rate variability has been linked to higher risk of sexual dysfunction in women, according to researchers. Heart rate variability is the described as differences in the length of time between consecutive heartbeats.  

Heart rate variability is an important marker of heart health and the body's ability to control blood pressure within various contexts. However, it has been shown to play a significant in female sexual arousal function.

The latest study involved 72 women between the ages of 18 and 39 who were instructed to watch neutral and erotic films.  

The findings revealed that women with below average heart rate variability are significantly more likely to report sexual arousal dysfunction and overall sexual dysfunction than those with higher heart rate variability.

Researchers said this is important, as the connection has already been observed in their male counterparts.

"Our study indicated that low heart rate variability might place women at risk for sexual arousal problems and overall sexual difficulties," researcher Amelia Stanton of The University of Texas at Austin, said in a news release. "Given that low resting heart rate variability has been associated with depression, anxiety, and alcohol dependence, it is not surprising that it may also predict female sexual dysfunction."

The findings are published in the journal Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback.