This study aimed to use the sample entropy ( SampEn) method to compare the difference between normoxia and hypo-baric hypoxia exposure in heart rate variability. Eight healthy male volunteers were included in this research. For each sub-ject, electrocardiography and finger pulse signal were recorded to obtain the heart rate time series. The SpO2 signal was col-lected at the same time. In normoxia or hypobaric hypoxia 4300 m section, the segment of RR time series from the second 5 min episode (from the 6th to the 10th min) was chosen for the SampEn calculation. The differences between normoxia and hypobaric hypoxia states were analyzed. Results showed that a significant difference exists in SampEn between two states (normoxia 0. 54±0. 05 vs hypobaric hypoxia 4300 m exposure 0. 46±0. 05), indicating the regulatory mechanisms of autonomic nervous system from a nonlinear perspective.