Heart rate variability in the prognosis of tilt-testing results

Study aim was assessment of dynamics of spectral parameters of heart rate variability (HRV) during the Westminster and Italian protocols of tilt-test (TT). We included in this study 114 patients with recurrent vasovagal syncope (VVS). Basing on TT results we distinguished 4 groups of patients: with positive result of the Westminster protocol (WPTT) (group 1, n=30); with negative result of WPTT (group 2, n=23); with positive result of the Italian protocol (IPTT) (group 3, n=44); with negative result of IPTT (group 4, n=11). Control group comprised 14 healthy persons without history of syncope. Spectral parameters of HRV were analyzed in 3 five minutes intervals (before TT in horizontal position, during first and last 5 minutes of orthostasis). Structure of vasovagal responses was similar for all TT protocols used. In lying position in patients of groups 1-3 lower values of LF1 and LF1/HF1 were registered, as well as high values of HF1 compared with the control group and patients with negative results of IPTT. Initial stage of TT in patients with positive result of WPTT (group 1) was characterized by almost twofold increase of LF values (n.u.) and decrease of HF parameters (n.u.) compared with other patients. In the group 1 during the second period.     

The Relationship Between Heart Rate Recovery and Heart Rate Variability in Coronary Artery Disease

Background: Reduced heart rate recovery (HRR) in coronary artery disease (CAD) is predictive of increased cardiovascular mortality and is related to reduced parasympathetic tonus. Objective: To investigate HRR and heart rate variability (HRV) measured at steady state condition and the relationship between these two parameters in CAD. Materials and Methods: In our study, we enrolled 33 (28 males, mean age 52.4 ± 9.6 years) patients with CAD who did not have heart failure, atrial fibrillation, pacemaker, and any disease state that could affect the autonomic functions and 38 age‐matched healthy subjects (21 males, mean age 48.3 ± 7.8 years). All the patients underwent submaximal treadmill exercise testing (Bruce protocol). HRR was calculated by subtracting the heart rate values at the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd minutes of the recovery phase from the peak heart rate (HRR₁, HRR₂, HRR₃). Before exercise testing, short‐term steady state HRV analyses of all subjects were obtained with the time‐ and frequency‐domain methods and were correlated to HRR. For frequency‐domain analysis, low‐frequency HRV (LF, 0.004–0.15 Hz), high‐frequency HRV (HF, 0.15–0.5 Hz), and LF/HF ratio were measured for 5 minutes in the morning. For time‐domain analysis, standard deviation of the normal‐to‐normal NN intervals (SDNN), square root of the mean squared differences of successive N‐N intervals (RMSSD), and proportion derived by dividing the number of interval differences of successive N‐N intervals greater than 50 ms by the total number of N‐N intervals (pNN50) were obtained. Only HRR₃ was used for the correlation analysis. Results: In CAD groups, the HF, an indicator of parasympathetic activation, was significantly reduced, whereas the LF and LF/HF values, which are indicators of sympathetic activity, were increased (P = 0.0001 for each parameter). The time‐domain parameters SDNN, RMSSD, and pNN50 were significantly reduced in the patient group (P = 0.0001, P = 0.009, and P = 0.0001, respectively). Similar to the HRV parameters, the HRR₁, HRR₂, and HRR₃ values were significantly reduced in the patient group (P = 0.0001 for each parameter). We observed a significant negative correlation between HRR₃ and LF (r =?0.67, P = 0.0001) and between HRR₃ and LF/HF (r =?0.62, P < 0.0001), while there was a significant positive correlation between HRR₃ and HF, SDNN, RMSSD, and pNN50 (r = 0.69, P = 0.0001; r = 0.41, P = 0.0001; r = 0.31, P = 0.008; and r = 0.44, P = 0.0001). Conclusions: HRR and HRV are significantly reduced in CAD. The reduction in HRR is parallel to the changes in HRV parameters. HRR, which can be measured easily in the recovery phase of exercise testing, can be used to detect the depression of parasympathetic tonus and to evaluate the basal autonomic balance in this patient group.     

Modified autonomic balance in offsprings of diabetics detected by spectral analysis of heart rate variability.

This study was performed to evaluate the influence of family history for non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) on autonomic balance. The latter was assessed by spectral analysis of heart rate variability (SA-HRV) and by analyzing the relative contribution of low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) components. Twenty glucose normotolerant offsprings of NIDDM parents and 20 controls underwent a 1-hour continuous electrocardiogram (ECG). LF and HF (mean +/- SEM in normalized units [NU]), respectively increased and decreased in offspring versus controls. The LF/HF ratio (mean +/- SEM) significantly increased (LF/HF = 3.25 +/- 0.7 v 1.45 +/- 0.5, P <.0001 offsprings v controls). To test a stimulated response, a passive tilting (+ 90 degrees ) after 30 minutes of bed rest (0 degrees ) was performed in a subsample of subjects (10 offsprings v 10 controls). During bed rest, we found significantly higher values of the LF/HF ratio in offsprings versus controls (1.93 +/- 0.3 v 1.08 +/- 0.2, P <.05), whereas in the head-up position, the LF/HF ratio value increased to the same levels in the 2 groups (6.48 +/- 1.3 v 6.89 +/- 1.4, not significant [NS]). NIDDM family history is characterized in the basal condition by an imbalance of the autonomic system, which, compared with controls, is expressed by a higher weight of sympathetic and a lower weight of parasympathetic components. No significant differences can be found under stimulated conditions.     

Effect of short-term consumption of a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet on metabolic control in insulin-deficient diabetic rats

This study examined the effect of changing the proportion of dietary fat on metabolic control in rats rendered mildly diabetic with streptozotocin (STZ). The high-fat (HF) diet contained 66% energy as fat and 12% as carbohydrate while the low-fat (LF) diet contained 12% energy as fat and 66% as carbohydrate. Both diets had a P/S ratio of 1:3. Young male rats weighing 100 g were treated with STZ (60 mg/kg IV) and randomly allocated to either the LF of HF diet. After 2 weeks, the fasting plasma glucose concentrations were significantly higher in the HF-STZ rats than in the LF-STZ rats (13.2 +/- 1.2 mmol/L v 7.1 +/- 0.8 mmol/L, respectively, P less than 0.001). The increase in plasma glucose above the basal level following the intravenous glucose load (0.5 g/kg body wt) was similar in both groups of STZ-treated rats and glucose clearance was similarly impaired. The fall in glucose concentrations in the 30 minutes following the IV insulin (0.5 U Actrapid insulin/kg body wt) was greater in the LF-STZ rats (delta AUC = -1.60 +/- 0.20 mmol/L 0.5h) than in the HF-STZ group (delta AUC = -0.97 +/- 0.20 mmol/L 0.5 h, P less than 0.05) and either of the control groups (delta AUC = -0.94 +/- 0.37, -0.83 +/- 0.09 mmol/L 0.5 h for LF and HF rats, respectively, P less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

高血压患者心率变异性的性别差异及年龄影响

目的探讨性别和年龄对高血压患者心率变异性(HRV)的影响。方法采用24h动态心电图(Holter)评价300例高血压患者HRV的时域和频域指标,并将患者分为男性组(163例)和女性组(137例),再根据年龄分为≤65岁组(130例)和>65岁组(170例),分别比较不同性别和不同年龄组间HRV的差别,并对性别和年龄与HRV各指标间的相关性进行了分析。结果男性组极低频功率(VLF)、低频功率/高频功率(LF/HF)明显大于女性组(分别P=0.017和P=0.0002),标化HF(HFnorm)则明显低于女性组(P<0.0001),但是这种性别的差异仅发生在≤65岁组中。单变量回归分析显示男性与VLF、LF/HF相关较密切(分别r=-0.132,P=0.02和r=-0.176,P=0.002),女性与HFnorm相关较密切(r=0.215,P<0.0001),这种相关性也只出现在≤65岁组中,多变量回归分析只HFnorm与性别独立相关(r=0.215,P<0.0001)。≤65岁组总功率(TP)(P=0.011)、VLF(P=0.001)、低频功率(LF)(P=0.005)、标化低频功率(LFnorm)(P=0.0001)和LF/HF(P=0.001)明显大于>65岁组,而rMSSD(P=0.002)、PNN50(P=0.007)、HFnorm(P=0.031)则明显低于>65岁组,单变量回归分析除PNN50外,年龄与HRV各指标均具有显著的相关性,多变量回归分析年龄与LFnrom、LF、rMSSD独立相关(r=0.432,P<0.0001)。结论以上结果提示中年期女性高血压患者自主神经调节紊乱可能比男性更明显;老年高血压患者自主神经调节损害比中年患者更显著。     

Heart rate variability in patients with stable coronary artery disease and aspirin resistance

Aspirin resistance as defined by failure to effectively inhibit thromboxane synthesis is associated with a higher risk of recurrent myocardial ischemia and cardiovascular death. Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis has been extensively used to identify patients at risk for increased cardiac mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between HRV and aspirin resistance in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). Sixty-nine (69) consecutive patients with stable CAD were included in this study. Of the 69 patients, 18 (26%) were aspirin nonresponders. When the aspirin responders were compared with the nonresponders, there was no significant difference between the groups with respect to most clinical parameters, major cardiovascular risk factors, medical treatments, and aspirin dosages. However, the patients with aspirin resistance had a higher previous myocardial infarction history and lower left ventricular ejection fraction. Moreover, mean platelet volume, CT/EPI, CT/ADP values, LF and LF/HF ratio were higher while HF, SDNN, SDANN, and RMSSD were lower in the nonresponder group than the responders. Regarding HRV parameters, CT/ADP time was negatively correlated with SDNN (r = -0.5, P = 0.02) and HF (r = -0.4, P = 0.03), and positively correlated with LF (r = 0.6, P = 0.01) and LF/HF (r = 0.7, P = 0.001). Similarly, CT/EPI time was negatively correlated with SDNN (r = -0.4, P = 0.03), and positively correlated with LF (r = 0.5, P = 0.02) and the LF/HF ratio (r = 0.5, P = 0.02). Regression analysis revealed that the only parameters affecting SDNN and LF/HF ratio were left ventricle ejection fraction and aspirin resistance. The heart rate variability decreased and sympathetic activity increased in the patients with aspirin resistance and stable CAD. This may contribute to a higher risk of recurrent myocardial ischemia and cardiovascular death in patients with aspirin resistance.     

Severity in Myocardial Dysfunction Contributed to Long‐term Fluctuation of Heart Rate,Rather than Short‐Term Fluctuations

Background: It is known that heart rate shows complex behavior, long‐term fluctuation of heart rate, and short‐term fluctuations in heart failure. Analyzing these properties and examining the relationship to the disease, severity may increase the understanding of the background of heart rate variability (HRV). Methods: In 61 patients (mean age 65 ± 9 years , 32 ischemic heart disease, 29 cardiomyopathy), with myocardial dysfunction, 24‐hour ambulatory electrocardiography was performed. After the construction of the time series of R‐R intervals, 15 HRV parameters were measured, including mean heart rate, standard deviation of N‐N intervals (SDNN), ratio of low frequency/high frequency power (LF/HF), HRV triangular index (TI), and ratio of length/width at the 90% level of all scattered points. Results: By using the multiple regression analysis, we tested which HRV parameter (HR, SDNN, LF/HF, TI, or length/width) independently correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) or left ventricular diastolic dimension (EDD). The results demonstrated that TI and SDNN independently correlated with EF (multiple R = 0.59). Moreover, TI and SDNN independently correlated with EDD (multiple R = 0.45). Conclusion: TI and SDNN were indicators of the disease severity in myocardial dysfunction, while LF/HF, indicators of autonomic tone, did not have such an ability. It was of interest that the disease severity contributed to long‐term fluctuations (TI, SDNN) of heart rate, rather than short‐term fluctuations (LF/HF).     

Relationship between autonomic cardiac activity,beta-cell function,anthropometrics and metabolic indices in type II diabetics

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have demonstrated that C-peptide exerts beneficial effects on the diabetic state, including improvements in kidney and nerve function. Thus, we investigated the effect of residual pancreatic C-peptide secretion on the cardiac autonomic nervous system in well- and poorly controlled type II diabetic patients. DESIGN: Randomised cross-sectional study. PATIENTS: Forty type II diabetic patients free from diabetic neuropathy, with similar anthropometric parameters, volunteered for our study. MEASUREMENTS: Insulin action, residual pancreatic C-peptide secretion and the cardiac autonomic nervous system were investigated by euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp, glucagon bolus test and heart rate variability, respectively. M-values were used as an index of insulin sensitivity. High frequency (HF) and low frequency (LF) oscillations in heart rate were analysed. RESULTS: The patients were categorized into those with good (HbA1c < or = 7.0) and poor (HbA1c > or = 8.0) metabolic control. The patients with good metabolic control had fasting plasma glucose and C-peptide levels, plasma area under the curve (auc) insulin and C-peptide levels, M-values, LF values and LF/HF ratio significantly lower than patients with poor metabolic control. In contrast, RR interval, total power and HF values had an opposite trend. Basal plasma C-peptide correlated with LF/HF in patients with good (r = -0.42; P < 0.05) and poor metabolic control (r = -0.45; P < 0.05). An even stronger correlation between auc C-peptide and LF/HF in patients with good (r = -0.53, P < 0.002) and poor metabolic control (r = -0.49; P < 0.03), as well as in the whole group (r = -0.83; P < 0.001) was found. By multiple regression analyses performed in all patients, LF/HF were independently associated with auc C-peptide (t = -8.618; P < 0.001) but not basal C-peptide levels (t = -0.137; P < 0.88). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that preserved C-peptide secretion is associated with a well balanced cardiac autonomic activity in type II diabetic patients.     

Comparison of various methods of assessment of heart rate variability including simple cardiovascular reflex tests as predictors of sudden cardiac death after myocardial infarction.

Long term heart rate variability is used for prediction of sudden cardiac death (SD). There are simpler methods of assessment of autonomic cardiac control - registration of heart rate response to reflex tests and determination of heart rate variability (HRV) on short ECG recordins. Comparative value for prognosis of SD after myocardial infarction (MI) of these 3 techniques has not been studied yet. METHODS: Valsalva maneuver with calculation of Valsalva ratio (VR) and deep breath test with calculation of difference between average maximal and minimal HR during first minute of test (HR difference - HRD) were performed in 188 patients on days 4-11 of MI (68.1% men, age 34-75 years, 93.6% on beta-blockers, without heart failure NYHA IV on the day of tests). Time and frequency domain HRV measures were assessed during 15 min at bed rest and at Holter monitoring for median 24 h on the same day as reflex tests. RESULTS: During follow up for 2.1+/-0.8 years there were 9 sudden and 13 non-sudden cardiac deaths. ROC analysis was used to determine cut-off values of VR, HRD and HRV measures for dichotomization of patients into those with low- and high-risk of SD and these values were used in logistic regression analysis. The following parameters were univariate predictors of SD: obtained at reflex tests - VR <1.13 (OR 7.8, 95% CI 1.6-39.0; p=0.012), HRD <3.36 (OR 4.3, 95% CI 1.1-16.9; p=0.034); HRV parameters from 15 min ECG recordings - total frequency power <739 ms(2), VLF power <294 ms(2), LF power <197 ms(2) and LF/HF <1.5; HRV parameters from long term ECG recording - LF power <491 ms(2), LF/HF <1.4. At multivariate analysis only LF power for 15 min <197 ms(2) among HRV parameters remained independent predictor of SD (OR 24.2, 95% CI 2.4-245.5; p=0.007). Other predictors were clinical - VF during acute phase of MI (OR 94.7, 95% CI 4.2-2115.2; p=0.004) and history of MI (OR 8.4, 95% CI 1.4-48.5; p=0.017). CONCLUSION: In this population of patients without severe heart failure low LF power on 15 min resting ECG recordings on days 4-11 of MI was more powerful predictor of sudden cardiac death during subsequent 2 years than other HRV parameters including heart rate response to Valsalva maneuver and deep breath test.     

Effects of two nebulization regimens on heart rate variability during acute asthma exacerbations in children.

Analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) has been used to evaluate changes in sympathovagal balance. The present study was designed to investigate the influence of two therapeutic regimens on autonomic cardiovascular regulation during acute asthma exacerbations (AAE). Twenty children, 7-13 years of age, with moderate or severe AAE were randomized in two equal groups to receive either 0.15 mg/kg/dose salbutamol (group 1) or a combination of lower-dose salbutamol (0.10 mg/kg/dose) and ipratropium bromide (5 mcg/kg/dose) (group 2). Exacerbations were treated with three nebulizations (Tx) of either regimen given 20 minutes apart. HRV indices [total power, high-frequency component (HF), low-frequency component (LF), and LF:HF ratio] were analyzed at specific time intervals during the management of AAE. Therapy had a significant time-dependent main effect on total power (p = 0.001), LF (p < 0.0001), and HF (p = 0.005) but reached only borderline significance for LF:HF ratio (p = 0.053). The decrease in LF was more pronounced in group 2 vs. group 1 at 10 minutes post-Tx1 (p = 0.034) and at 10 minutes post-Tx2 (p = 0.05), but there was no significant difference between groups at 10 and 20 minutes post-Tx3. There were no significant differences between groups in any of the other HRV indices. Both regimens improved FEV1 (p = 0.0001) to the same magnitude. During AAE, three consecutive inhalation treatments with either high-dose salbutamol-only or lower-dose salbutamol plus ipratropium bromide combination, resulting in similar FEV1 improvement, cause domination of sympathetic over parasympathetic nervous system of similar overall magnitude but distinct patterns of HRV indices.     

心肌缺血大鼠的心率功率谱变化及其与心脏性猝死关系的研究

采用心率变异（ＨＲＶ）频域指标定量评价心肌缺血大鼠的心脏自主神经功能变化及其与心脏性猝死（ＳＣＤ）的关系。Ｈｏｌｔｅｒ监测仪记录假手术组（２０只）及心肌缺血后存活组（５４只）与ＳＣＤ组（３６只）大鼠的心电信号。结果显示存活组或ＳＣＤ组大鼠于心肌缺血初始１５ｍｉｎ内的低频（ＬＦ）及低频／高频比值（ＬＦ／ＨＦ）较假手术组明显升高〔ＬＦ（ｍｓ２／Ｈｚ）：１９８．８±４１．３或２２６．７±５６．４ｖｓ６５．４±１９．６，Ｐ均＜０．０１；ＬＦ／ＨＦ：４．０８±１．１或５．１２±１．４ｖｓ１．８７±０．７，Ｐ均＜０．０１〕，而且ＳＣＤ组大鼠的ＬＦ与ＬＦ／ＨＦ较存活组增高〔ＬＦ（ｍｓ２／Ｈｚ）：２２６．７±５６．４ｖｓ１９８．８±４１．３，Ｐ均＜０．０５；ＬＦ／ＨＦ：５．１２±１．４ｖｓ４．０８±１．１，Ｐ＜０．０５〕，各组间ＨＦ无明显变化；ＳＣＤ组大鼠于ＳＣＤ发生前１５ｍｉｎ内，心率功率谱动态变化表现为ＬＦ及ＬＦ／ＨＦ随死亡时间的濒临而呈进行性升高（Ｐ＜０．０１及０．０５）。表明大鼠心肌缺血后其交感神经活性明显亢进，ＨＲＶ降低与ＳＣＤ的发生密切相关。     

骶神经刺激对慢性功能性便秘自主神经功能影响观察

目的评价骶神经刺激治疗（SNS）对慢性功能性便秘患者自主神经功能的影响。 方法搜集西京消化病医院和西安马应龙肛肠医院2016年9月至2017年11月收治的86例慢性功能性便秘患者,随机分为治疗组与对照组,治疗组42例,对照组44例。治疗组采用非植入性骶神经刺激治疗,对照组采用电针八髎穴治疗。比较两组间及各组内治疗前后便秘症状评分和心率变异性（HRV）测定值。 结果组内比较症状评分均降低（P<0.05）;治疗组内HRV各指标的变化差异具有统计学意义（HF：u=-2.269,P=0.023;LF：u=-5.183,P=0.000;LF/HF：u=-4.359,P=0.000）,对照组无影响。组间比较,治疗前后的症状评分和HRV各指标差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）,伴随症状差值（t=4.040,P=0.000）和HRV各值差值（ΔHF：u=-2.583,P=0.010;ΔLF：u=-5.089,P=0.000;ΔLF/HF：u=-3.299,P=0.001）差异具有统计学意义。 结论SNS可能具有通过影响自主神经功能改善慢性功能性便秘的作用。     

Study of the autonomous nervous system with heart rate spectral analysis in acute myocardial infarction]

OBJECTIVES: Characterize power spectrum pattern of heart rate variability (HRV) and assessment of relative cardiac nervous system in patients with acute myocardial interaction of sympathetic and parasympathetic infarction. We also compared the spectral power with some known prognostic risk variables. STUDY DESIGN: Study of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and sedentary healthy subjects sex matched. SUBJECT AND METHODS: 19 postinfarction patients aged 55.7 +/- 10.5 years and 19 healthy subjects controls aged 53.9 +/- 11.0. ECG signals were recorded after 15 minutes of supine rest with controlled breathing at 15 cycles/min. Signal acquisition was done at 300 samples/sec. From 512 consecutive sinus beats, we calculated the average, standard deviation, maximum and minimum values and rate between the longest and shortest R-R interval (E/I). We also calculated, after computing the fast Fourier transform, the total spectrum power, low frequency component (LF, from 0.01 to 0.15 Hz), high frequency component (HF, from 0.15 to 0.50 Hz) and its ratio (LF/HF). Thereafter, we correlated these results with radionuclide ejection fraction, duration of treadmill test, Holter ventricular premature complex and localization of infarction. RESULTS: The average R-R interval was 757.9 +/- 116.3 and 850.9 +/- 133.9 msec (p less than 0.05), the R-R corrected standard deviation was 15.3 +/- 6.0 and 38.2 +/- 8.5 msec (p less than 0.001) and ratio E/I was 1.13 +/- 0.06 and 1.32 +/- 0.09 (p less than 0.001) in AMI and control group, respectively. In AMI group, low frequency spectral band was very decreased (LF = 0.03 +/- 0.02 sec2) and high frequency was virtually absent (HF = 0.01 +/- 0.01 sec2) compared with control group (LF = 0.13 +/- 0.06 and HF = 0.14 +/- 0.15 sec2), p less than 0.001; ratio LF/HF was increased in AMI group. There were no significant differences between groups for normalized LF (LF%) and HF (HF%). CONCLUSIONS: These results showed that spectral pattern in AMI patients had very low LF and HF power density. Decreased HRV in that group was mainly due to diminished parasympathetic influence in cardiac regulation; nevertheless ratio LF/HF was increased which represents an imbalance of sympatho-vagal activity with predominance of sympathetic tone. We found poor correlation between frequency domain indices and other risk variable; best correlation was between total spectral power and radionuclide ejection fraction (r = 0.642, p less than 0.01), which could express independent prognostic value in AMI patients risk stratification.     

Effect of diurnal variability of heart rate on development of arrhythmia in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

We examined the possible effect of diurnal variability of heart rate on the development of arrhythmias in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Forty-one COPD patients (M/F: 39/2, mean age: 59+/-8.5 years) and 32 (M/F: 27/5, mean age: 57+/-11 years) healthy controls were included. Twenty-four hour ECG recordings were analyzed for atrial fibrillation (AF) or ventricular premature beats (VPB), and circadian changes in heart rate variability (HRV) were assessed by dividing the 24-h period into day-time (08:00-24:00 h) and night-time (24:00-08:00 h) periods. Night-time total (TP), low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) powers were similarly lower from day-time parameters in AF(-) COPD patients (HF 3.91+/-1 vs. 4.43+/-1.04 ms(2), P=0.001) and controls (HF 3.95+/-0.72 vs. 4.82+/-0.66 ms(2), P<0.001). The LF/HF ratios were also significantly reduced in the same patient groups (AF(-) COPD 1.35+/-0.21 vs. 1.27+/-0.19, P=0.04, controls 1.43+/-0.14 vs. 1.24+/-0.09, P<0.001). Night-time TP and LF were increased, HF unchanged and LF/HF significantly increased (1.11+/-0.25 vs. 1.19+/-0.27, P<0.05) in AF(+) COPD patients. Frequency of VPB was correlated with corrected QT dispersion (QTc(d)) (r=0.52, P=0.001) and the day-time/night-time HF ratio (r=0.43, P=0.02). Patients with QTc(d)>or=60 ms did not have the expected increase in night-time HF and had a statistically insignificant increase in LF/HF ratio. In COPD patients with QTc(d)<60 ms, circadian changes in HRV parameters were parallel with the controls. We concluded that COPD patients with arrhythmia had circadian HRV disturbances such as unchanged night-time parasympathetic tone and disturbed sympatho-vagal balance in favor of the sympathetic system all day long, which may explain the increased frequency of arrhythmia.     

Spectrum analysis of the variability of heart rate in athletes

OBJECTIVES: Characterize power spectrum pattern of the heart rate variability and assessment of the relative contributions of sympathetic and parasympathetic cardiac nervous system control in athletes. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study of athletes and sedentary healthy control group sex and age matched. SUBJECT AND METHODS: 8 athletes, 3 female and 5 male, swimming (4), canoeing (2) and cycling (2), aged 17.4 +/- 3.6 years, and 8 sedentary healthy controls. ECG signals were recorded after a period of 15 minutes in supine rest with controlled breathing at 15 cycles/min. Signal acquisition was done at 300 samples/sec. From 512 consecutive heart beats, we calculated the average, the standard deviation, the maximum and the minimum values and the rate between the longest and the shortest R-R interval (E/I). We also calculated, after computing the fast Fourier transform, the total spectrum power, the low frequency component (LF, from 0.01 to 0.15 Hz) and the high frequency component (HF, greater than 0.15 Hz) and its ratio (LF/HF). RESULTS: The average R-R interval was 921 +/- 154.2 msecs and 673.2 +/- 98 msecs, the standard deviation was 72.5 and 29.4 msecs and the ratio E/I 1.63 +/- 0.14 and 1.28 +/- 0.08, respectively for athletes and control group. Differences between groups were significant (p less than 0.01) for all parameters, with higher variability in the athletes. Both spectral bands (LF and HF) and higher power in athletes (LF = 0.54 +/- 0.23 and HF = 0.76 +/- 0.14) than in the control group (LF = 0.14 +/- 0.10 and HF = 0.18 +/- 0.15) (p less than 0.001). There were no significant differences for LF/HF ratio, or normalized LF (LF%) or normalized HF (HF%) between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The present results indicates higher power of both spectral bands (LF and HF) and higher amplitude of the respective peaks in athletes when compared with healthy sedentary, with a clear predominance of the HF band in the total spectral power density, which suggest that the higher heart rate variability observed in athletes reveals the predominance of parasympathetic activity, without reduction of the sympathetic tone.     

实验性心肌缺血大鼠心脏自主神经活性的动态变化及意义

采用心率变异（ＨＲＶ）时域及频域指标分析急性心肌缺血２４ｈ大鼠心脏自主神经功能的变化以探讨其意义。将实验动物分成三组，即正常对照组（２０只）、假手术组（２０只）与心肌缺血组（４８只），并运用动态心电图记录２４ｈ心电信号变化。结果显示：与假手术组及正常对照组分别比较，心肌缺血组正常窦性心律ＲＲ间期标准差（ＳＤＮＮ）下降（２８．９±９．４ｍｓｖｓ３４．４±１３．７ｍｓ或３５．１±１４．３ｍｓ，Ｐ均＜０．０５），低频（ＬＦ）及低频与高频的比值（ＬＦ／ＨＦ）明显增加（１８９．４±３６．５ｍｓ２／Ｈｚｖｓ５７．３±１７．８ｍｓ２／Ｈｚ或５１．８±１８．６ｍｓ２／Ｈｚ；３．８５±０．９１ｖｓ１．７６±０．６３或１．６８±０．５７，Ｐ均＜０．０１）；２４ｈ心率功率谱示心肌缺血组ＬＦ及ＬＦ／ＨＦ波动幅度较假手术组及正常对照组增高，缺血大鼠ＬＦ与ＬＦ／ＨＦ在缺血后０～３ｈ（２６７．５±１２．４ｍｓ２／Ｈｚ、４．３３±１．０８）及９～１２ｈ（２４４．７±１３．９ｍｓ２／Ｈｚ、３．９６±０．９８）期间增高显著，而在缺血后５～７ｈ（１４９．２±８．７ｍｓ２／Ｈｚ、２．０５±０．４２）内则相对较低。结果表明大鼠心肌缺血后ＨＲＶ降低主?     

Is the QT interval an indicator of autonomic state?

Prolonged QT interval is suggested to indicate an increased risk of sudden cardiac death in certain clinical conditions such as diabetes mellitus. We investigated whether the individual QT interval is an indicator of an autonomic state. An ambulatory 24-hour ECG was recorded in 53 subjects from different clinical backgrounds. Power spectral components of heart rate variability (HRV) and the QT interval were regressively obtained at a heart rate of 60, 70, 80, 90, or 100 beats per minutes (bpm). Log values of the high-frequency component of HRV (HF: 0.15-0.50 Hz, a scale of cardiac parasympathetic tone) failed to show a relationship with the QT interval. In contrast, the QT interval at a heart rate of 90 bpm and 100 bpm showed a significant correlation with the log values of the low-frequency component (LF: 0.04-0.15 Hz) and the log[LF/HF], i.e., a putative scale of sympathetic tone (100 bpm: QT vs logLF: r = 0.414, p < 0.005, QT vs log[LF/HF]: 0.416, p < 0.002). Also, attenuated rate-dependent QT shortening was associated with greater logLF and log[LF / HF] values at a heart rate of 80, 90, or 100 bpm. These results suggest that the QT interval at a moderate heart rate (approximately 90-100 / min) and the degree of rate-dependent QT shortening are related to individual sympathetic tone.     

Responses of the second derivative of the finger photoplethysmogram indices and hemodynamic parameters to anesthesia induction

The finger photoplethysmogram (PTG) is a non-invasive method for pulse-wave analysis. The second derivative wave of the PTG (SDPTG) enables evaluation of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular aging. Responses of SDPTG indices and hemodynamic parameters to anesthesia induction are unknown. A total of 42 patients aged 40 years, who may have had atherosclerotic change, and who underwent elective oral surgery, were analyzed. Patients were divided into sevoflurane (S group; N=22) and sevoflurane with remifentanil (R group; N=20) groups. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), heart rate (HR) and SDPTG were measured at four time points: before induction, after loss of consciousness, after tracheal intubation and 30?min after induction. At postintubation, b/a was elevated (that is, large arterial stiffness was increased), and d/a was reduced (that is, peripheral vascular resistance was increased) in the S group compared with the R group. SBP, DBP and HR were increased in the S group compared with those in the R group. In the S group, preanesthetic b/a and the aging index (AGI) were positively correlated with SBP at immediate postintubation, and preanesthetic d/a was negatively correlated with SBP and DBP at immediate postintubation. It is suggested that usage of remifentanil, a potent μ-opioid analgesic, with sevoflurane anesthesia prevented an increase in blood pressure and HR in response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation, which was accompanied by suppression of both elevation of b/a and the AGI and reduction of d/a. SDPTG indices are useful for predicting hypertension during induction of sevoflurane anesthesia, regardless of a history of hypertension or hypertensive factors.     

Evaluation of Effects of Intra aortic Balloon Counterpulsation on Autonomic Nervous System Functions by Heart Rate Variability Analysis

Background: In patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), intraaortic balloon counterpulsation (IABC) may improve cardiac performance, decrease the incidence of recurrent ischemia, and improve survival. Although there have been several reports concerning circulatory maintenance with the IABC, response of the autonomic nervous system to these hemodynamic changes is not clear. Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis has been extensively used to evaluate autonomic modulation of sinus node and to identify patients at risk for an increased cardiac mortality. In this study, we evaluated effects of the IABC on autonomic nervous system functions by HRV analysis. Methods: The study group was composed of 32 consecutive patients (13 female, 19 male aged 61.8 ± 8.8 years) undergoing IABC. Transthoracic echocardiography and 1‐hour Holter recordings for HRV analysis in each IAB pumping mode were obtained. Results: The IABC improved left ventricular diastolic and systolic functions as well as caused an increase in SDNN1, PNN50(1), RMSSD1, and HF1 and a decrease in LF1, LF/HF1, mean heart rate, and the number of ventricular extrasystoles. The improvements in HRV parameters were correlated with some hemodynamic changes such as the increase in MAP and CO during counterpulsation. The only independent factors affecting in‐hospital mortality were the change in LF/HF1 ratio (ΔLF/HF1) and the change in the number of ventricular extrasystole (ΔVES). The decrease in LF/HF1 ≥4.9 decreased the mortality by 1.7‐folds (RR = 0.6, P = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.1–2.3). The decrease in VES ≥27/15 minutes resulted in mortality reduction by 16‐folds (RR = 0.06, P = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.01–0.4). Conclusions: As a result, the IABC, especially in 1:1 support, causes an increase in HRV, decrease in sympathetic overactivity, and improvement in sympathovagal balance besides the favorable hemodynamic changes, and these electrophysiologic changes may explain the role of the IABC in the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias.     

The effects of halothane and sevoflurane on QT dispersion

QT dispersion is defined as the difference between QT (max) and QT (min) in the 12-lead surface ECG. It has been shown to reflect regional variations in ventricular repolarization and is significantly greater in patients with arrhythmic events than in those without them. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of halothane and sevoflurane on QT and QTc dispersion during inhalational induction of anaesthesia. The effects on QT and QTc dispersion of halothane and sevoflurane have been investigated during induction of anaesthesia. Forty-six ASA (American Society of Anaesthesiologists) physical status I-II patients, aged 16-50 years, undergoing general anaesthesia were randomly allocated to receive either halothane or sevoflurane. The mean baseline values for QT and QTc dispersion were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). QT dispersion was increased with halothane compared with baseline values (50 +/- 16 ms vs. 29 +/- 9 ms, P < 0.01) and after sevoflurane compared with baseline (48 +/- 15 vs. 33 +/- 8 ms, P < 0.01). Also, QTc dispersion was increased with halothane compared with baseline values (48 +/- 13 ms vs. 31 +/- 9 ms, P < 0.001) and after sevoflurane compared with baseline (50 +/- 14 vs. 40 +/- 11 ms, P < 0.01). The QTc interval did not change by both sevoflurane (443 +/- 7 vs. 431 +/- 21 ms, P > 0.05) and halothane (419 +/- 33 vs. 431 +/- 19 ms, P > 0.05) compared with baseline. Both halothane and sevoflurane cause myocardial repolarisation abnormalities in man in terms of increased QTc dispersion. This may be relevant in the aetiology of arrhythmias in patients during anaesthesia with halothane or sevoflurane.