scholarly journals Gender Differences in Cardiac Chronotropic Control: Implications for Heart Rate Variability Research

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
DeWayne P. Williams ◽  
Nicholas Joseph ◽  
Gina M. Gerardo ◽  
LaBarron K. Hill ◽  
Julian Koenig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Demographic Variable ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Heart Period ◽  
High Frequency Power ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Resting Period ◽  
Frequency Power

AbstractThere is a continuing debate concerning “adjustments” to heart period variability [i.e., heart rate variability (HRV)] for the heart period [i.e., increases inter-beat-intervals (IBI)]. To date, such arguments have not seriously considered the impact a demographic variable, such as gender, can have on the association between HRV and the heart period. A prior meta-analysis showed women to have greater HRV compared to men despite having shorter IBI and higher heart rate (HR). Thus, it is plausible that men and women differ in the association between HRV and HR/IBI. Thus, the present study investigates the potential moderating effect of gender on the association between HRV and indices of cardiac chronotropy, including both HR and IBI. Data from 633 participants (339 women) were available for analysis. Cardiac measures were assessed during a 5-min baseline-resting period. HRV measures included the standard deviation of inter-beat-intervals, root mean square of successive differences, and autoregressive high frequency power. Moderation analyses showed gender significantly moderated the association between all HRV variables and both HR and IBI (each p < 0.05). However, results were not consistent when using recently recommended HRV variables “adjusted” for IBI. Overall, the current investigation provides data illustrating a differential association between HRV and the heart period based on gender. Substantial neurophysiological evidence support the current findings; women show greater sensitivity to acetylcholine compared to men. If women show greater sensitivity to acetylcholine, and acetylcholine increases HRV and the heart period, then the association between HRV and the heart period indeed should be stronger in women compared to men. Taken together, these data suggest that routine “adjustments” to HRV for the heart period are unjustified and problematic at best. As it relates to the application of future HRV research, it is imperative that researchers continue to consider the potential impact of gender.

scholarly journals Effect of short-term exposure to particulate air pollution on heart rate variability in normal-weight and obese adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luyi Li ◽  
Dayu Hu ◽  
Wenlou Zhang ◽  
Liyan Cui ◽  
Xu Jia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Air Pollution ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
High Frequency Power ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Particulate Air Pollution ◽  
Short Term Exposure ◽  
Frequency Power

Abstract Background The adverse effects of particulate air pollution on heart rate variability (HRV) have been reported. However, it remains unclear whether they differ by the weight status as well as between wake and sleep. Methods A repeated-measure study was conducted in 97 young adults in Beijing, China, and they were classified by body mass index (BMI) as normal-weight (BMI, 18.5–24.0 kg/m2) and obese (BMI ≥ 28.0 kg/m2) groups. Personal exposures to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and black carbon (BC) were measured with portable exposure monitors, and the ambient PM2.5/BC concentrations were obtained from the fixed monitoring sites near the subjects’ residences. HRV and heart rate (HR) were monitored by 24-h Holter electrocardiography. The study period was divided into waking and sleeping hours according to time-activity diaries. Linear mixed-effects models were used to investigate the effects of PM2.5/BC on HRV and HR in both groups during wake and sleep. Results The effects of short-term exposure to PM2.5/BC on HRV were more pronounced among obese participants. In the normal-weight group, the positive association between personal PM2.5/BC exposure and high-frequency power (HF) as well as the ratio of low-frequency power to high-frequency power (LF/HF) was observed during wakefulness. In the obese group, personal PM2.5/BC exposure was negatively associated with HF but positively associated with LF/HF during wakefulness, whereas it was negatively correlated to total power and standard deviation of all NN intervals (SDNN) during sleep. An interquartile range (IQR) increase in BC at 2-h moving average was associated with 37.64% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 25.03, 51.51%) increases in LF/HF during wakefulness and associated with 6.28% (95% CI: − 17.26, 6.15%) decreases in SDNN during sleep in obese individuals, and the interaction terms between BC and obesity in LF/HF and SDNN were both statistically significant (p <  0.05). The results also suggested that the effects of PM2.5/BC exposure on several HRV indices and HR differed in magnitude or direction between wake and sleep. Conclusions Short-term exposure to PM2.5/BC is associated with HRV and HR, especially in obese individuals. The circadian rhythm of HRV should be considered in future studies when HRV is applied. Graphical abstract

Elevated heart rate variability in physically active postmenopausal women: a cardioprotective effect?

1996 ◽  
Vol 271 (2) ◽  
pp. H455-H460 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. P. Davy ◽  
N. L. Miniclier ◽  
J. A. Taylor ◽  
E. T. Stevenson ◽  
D. R. Seals
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Postmenopausal Women ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Total Power ◽  
High Frequency Power ◽  
Fat Percentage ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Frequency Power

Coronary heart disease (CHD) and cardiac sudden death (CSD) incidence accelerates after menopause, but the incidence is lower in physically active versus less active women. Low heart rate variability (HRV) is a risk factor for CHD and CSD. The purpose of the present investigation was to test the hypothesis that HRV at rest is greater in physically active compared with less active postmenopausal women. If true, we further hypothesized that the greater HRV in the physically active women would be closely associated with an elevated spontaneous cardiac baroreflex sensitivity (SBRS). HRV (both time and frequency domain measures) and SBRS (sequence method) were measured during 5-min periods of controlled frequency breathing (15 breaths/min) in the supine, sitting, and standing postures in 9 physically active postmenopausal women (age = 53 +/- 1 yr) and 11 age-matched controls (age = 56 +/- 2 yr). Body weight, body mass index, and body fat percentage were lower (P < 0.01) and maximal oxygen uptake was higher (P < 0.01) in the physically active group. The standard deviation of the R-R intervals (time domain measure) was higher in all postures in the active women (P < 0.05) as were the high-frequency, low-frequency, and total power of HRV. SBRS also was higher (P < 0.05) in the physically active women in all postures and accounted for approximately 70% of the variance in the high-frequency power of HRV (P < 0.05). The results of the present investigation indicate that physically active postmenopausal women demonstrate higher levels of HRV compared with age-matched, less active women. Furthermore, SBRS accounted for the majority of the variance in the high-frequency power of HRV, suggesting the possibility of a mechanistic link with cardiac vagal modulation of heart rate. Our findings may provide insight into a possible cardioprotective mechanism in physically active postmenopausal women.

Increase in the Vagal Modulation by Acupuncture at Neiguan Point in the Healthy Subjects

2005 ◽  
Vol 33 (01) ◽  
pp. 157-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheng-Teng Huang ◽  
Gau-Yang Chen ◽  
Huey-Ming Lo ◽  
Jaung-Gang Lin ◽  
Yin-Shiung Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Treatment Group ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Sham Acupuncture ◽  
Nausea And Vomiting ◽  
Heart Rate Variability Analysis ◽  
High Frequency Power ◽  
Vagal Modulation ◽  
Frequency Power

Acupuncture at the Neiguan (P6) point has been shown to lessen nausea and vomiting which are related to vagal modulation. This study investigated whether acupuncture at the P6 point could improve vagal modulation by using heart rate variability analysis. We compared the heart rate variability measures of 39 subjects receiving acupuncture at the P6 point, 38 subjects receiving sham acupuncture, and 34 subjects receiving no treatment at all. The normalized high-frequency power was used as the index of vagal modulation, and the low-/high-frequency power ratio was used as the index of sympathovagal balance. The normalized high-frequency power after acupuncture increased significantly from 28.1±12.6 nu (mean±SD) to 30.7±14.1 nu in the P6 acupuncture group, but not in the sham acupuncture (30.6±13.7 nu versus 31.8±13.8 nu) or no-treatment group (30.1±15.0 nu versus 30.1±15.7 nu). In both the P6 and sham acupuncture groups, the mean RR interval (the intervals between consecutive R waves in the electrocardiogram) increased significantly after acupuncture. In the no-treatment group, there was no statistical difference in all heart rate variability measures in the initial and later sessions. In conclusion, acupuncture at the P6 point can increase vagal modulation of the subjects. This result may be helpful in the understanding of the mechanism underlying the effect of acupuncture or acupressure at P6 on the lessening of nausea and vomiting in clinic.

Differences in heart rate variability between Asian and Caucasian children living in the same Canadian community

2006 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 277-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharine E Reed ◽  
Darren E.R Warburton ◽  
Crystal L Whitney ◽  
Heather A McKay
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Aerobic Fitness ◽  
Time Domain ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Fitness Testing ◽  
High Frequency Power ◽  
Asian Children ◽  
Frequency Power

Heart rate variability (HRV) is an umbrella term for a variety of measures that assess autonomic influence on the heart. Reduced beat-to-beat variability is found in individuals with a variety of cardiac abnormalities. A reduced HRV positively correlates with obesity, poor aerobic fitness, and increasing age. Racial (black-white) differences are apparent in adults and adolescents. We aimed to evaluate (i) Asian-Caucasian differences in HRV and (ii) differences in HRV between girls and boys. Sixty-two children (30 male (15 Caucasian, 15 Asian) and 32 female (15 Caucasian, 17 Asians)) with a mean age of 10.3 ± 0.6 y underwent 5 min resting HRV recording, fitness testing (Leger's 20 m shuttle), and self-assessed maturity. Outcome HRV measures were a ratio of low to high frequency power (LF:HF), standard deviation of R-R intervals (SDRR) and root mean square of successive R-R intervals (RMSSD). Data were compared between groups using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). There were no race or sex differences for time domain variables, mean R-R, body mass index, or blood pressure. Compared with Caucasian children, Asian children displayed a higher adjusted (fitness, R-R interval) LF:HF ratio (72.9 ± 59.4 vs. 120.6 ± 85.3, p < 0.05). Girls demonstrated a higher adjusted LF:HF power than boys (117.2 ± 85.1 vs. 76.6 ± 62.4, p = < 0.05). In conclusion, Asian and Caucasian children display different frequency domain components of heart rate variability.Key words: autonomic nervous system, sympathetic, vagal, race, aerobic fitness, sex.

scholarly journals Acute effect of ambient fine particulate matter on heart rate variability: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of panel studies

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhiping Niu ◽  
Feifei Liu ◽  
Baojing Li ◽  
Na Li ◽  
Hongmei Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Acute Effect ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Short Term Exposure ◽  
Panel Studies ◽  
Frequency Power

Abstract Background Decreased heart rate variability (HRV) is a predictor of autonomic system dysfunction, and is considered as a potential mechanism of increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) induced by exposure to particulate matter less than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5). Previous studies have suggested that exposure to PM2.5 may lead to decreased HRV levels, but the results remain inconsistent. Methods An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of panel studies till November 1, 2019 was conducted to evaluate the acute effect of exposure to ambient PM2.5 on HRV. We searched electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase) to identify panel studies reporting the associations between exposure to PM2.5 and the four indicators of HRV (standard deviation of all normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences in adjacent normal-to-normal intervals (rMSSD), high frequency power (HF), and low frequency power (LF)). Random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled effect estimates. Results A total of 33 panel studies were included in our meta-analysis, with 16 studies conducted in North America, 12 studies in Asia, and 5 studies in Europe. The pooled results showed a 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 exposure which was significantly associated with a − 0.92% change in SDNN (95% confidence intervals (95%CI) − 1.26%, − 0.59%), − 1.47% change in rMSSD (95%CI − 2.17%, − 0.77%), − 2.17% change in HF (95%CI − 3.24%, − 1.10%), and − 1.52% change in LF (95%CI − 2.50%, − 0.54%), respectively. Overall, subgroup analysis suggested that short-term exposure to PM2.5 was associated with lower HRV levels in Asians, healthy population, and those aged ≥ 40 years. Conclusion Short-term exposure to PM2.5 was associated with decreased HRV levels. Future studies are warranted to clarity the exact mechanism of exposure to PM2.5 on the cardiovascular system through disturbance of autonomic nervous function.

Association Between Heart Rate Variability and Parkinson’s Disease: A Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Li ◽  
Junjie Wang ◽  
Xinyi Li ◽  
Wei Jing ◽  
Itohan Omorodion ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Disease Duration ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Autonomic Nerve ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Regulation System ◽  
Heart Rate Regulation ◽  
Subgroup Analyses ◽  
The Impact

Aim: A systematic review which aims to assess the evidence regarding the function of the autonomic heart rate regulation system among Parkinson‟s disease (PD) patients. The main objective of the study is to compare heart rate variability (HRV) between those with and without PD from published studies. The subgroup analyses aimed to investigate the impact of treatment and disease duration on heart rate variability (HRV), assessed by measuring sympathetic and parasympathetic activity via low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) power spectrum scores, in patients with Parkinson‟s disease (PD). Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and Web of Science were searched using the keywords “Parkinson‟s disease” and “heart rate variability”. Studies that reported at least one HRV variable were included. The quality of the included studies was evaluated, and the relevant information was extracted. Then, a meta-analysis was carried out with Stata software. Results: Thirteen references (16 studies) were included in our analysis. The LF values (g -0.27; 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.53 to -0.01) of the patients with PD were lower than the controls. No significant differences in HF values (g -0.11; 95% CI -0.28 to 0.06) were observed between groups. Subgroup analyses of HRV outcomes in patients stratified by treatment status and disease duration were performed. For LF, patients with a disease duration of less than 5 years presented lower HF (g -0.25; 95% CI -0.44 to -0.06) values than controls. Regarding HF, patients receiving treatment presented lower HF (g -0.22; 95% CI -0.40 to 0.05) values than controls, and patients with a disease duration greater than 5 years also presented lower HF (g -0.29; 95% CI -0.56 to -0.03) values than controls. Discussion: We have confirmed and elaborated on the hypothesis of sympathovagal imbalance in PD. Knowledge of the effect of sympathovagal balance on HRV may inform the design of therapeutic regimens for PD. However, between-study heterogeneity and methodological issues limit the generalizability of the evidence; thus, future studies employing strict methodologies are warranted. Conclusion: Our meta-analysis found that PD is associated with reduced HRV values, which indicates that both sympathetic and vagal activity are decreased. Patients in the early stage of PD have sympathetic autonomic nerve dysfunction with only minor damage to sympathetic activity.

scholarly journals Unmitigated Surgical Castration in Calves of Different Ages: Cortisol Concentrations, Heart Rate Variability, and Infrared Thermography Findings

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2719
Author(s):  
Luciana Bergamasco ◽  
Lily N. Edwards-Callaway ◽  
Nora M. Bello ◽  
Sage H. Mijares ◽  
Charley A. Cull ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Sampling Period ◽  
High Frequency Power ◽  
Acute Response ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Holstein Calves ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Frequency Power ◽  
Eye Temperature

The objective was to characterize physiological responses to unmitigated surgical castration in calves of varying ages. Thirty male Holstein calves of three ages [<6 w (6W); 3 m (3M); 6 m (6M); n = 10] underwent a simulated castration treatment (SHAM) followed 24 h later by castration (CAST). For both treatments, heart rate variability, eye temperature, and cortisol were measured over time from treatment to specified end points to capture the acute response period. Interactions between treatment and age (p = 0.035) and time and age (p < 0.001) were noted for cortisol. The 6W calves had lower cortisol compared to 6M calves at SHAM and CAST. Cortisol of 6W calves decreased from peak to pre-treatment levels faster than 6M calves. An interaction between time and age was reported in squared differences of inter-beat-intervals (RMSSD; p = 0.02) and high-frequency power (HFP; p = 0.05), whereby both responses decreased in 6W calves during the sampling period which was not seen in 3M and 6M calves. Average eye temperature (AET) differed by age (p = 0.0018) whereby 6W calves had lower AET than 6M calves (p = 0.0013) regardless of treatment and time. The findings suggest that responses to unmitigated surgical castration seem to be mediated by the autonomic nervous system in an age-related manner.

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