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Patients with chronic kidney disease have a high incidence of cardiovascular diseases, and autonomic dysfunction has a determinant role in the relevant declines. Physical exercise influences heart rate variability and cardiac autonomic modulation. Thus, our objective was to systematically review, with a meta-analysis, the correlation between physical exercise interventions and alterations in cardiac autonomic modulation in hemodialysis patients. A customized research strategy was used across four databases. The search yielded 392 studies, with eight randomized clinical trials included (396 participants), indicating that the investigated indices favor the intervention group by increasing autonomic activity. The exercise training probably increases the standard deviation of all NN intervals (20.71 ms CI 95% [9.55, 31.87], p < 0.001, I²=95%) compared to the control group and showing an moderate certainty, was the most commonly used index (seven studies). Mean RR (35.57 ms CI 95% [14.56, 56.57], p = 0.91, I²=0%), the root mean square sum of squares of differences between NN intervals (10.55 ms CI 95% [6.75, 14.34], p = 0.37, I²=4%), and LF/HF (0.28 ms (n.u) [0.11, 0.44], p = 0.18, I²=39%) were also in favor of the training group. However, based on the GRADE analysis we are uncertain whether Mean RR can increase after an exercise intervention, as well RMSSD and LF/HF may increase slightly, we obtained low certainty of this evidence. The exact magnitude of the impact of physical training on the alteration of cardiac autonomic modulation in this patient population has yet to be conclusively defined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heart rate variability (HRV) has shown potential as a tool for monitoring thermal strain, but there is limited data to support its efficacy in older adults during prolonged heat exposures. We compared HRV between young (19–31 years, n = 20) and older (61–78 years, n = 39) adults during 9 h of heat exposure (40 °C, 9% RH). We also explored whether heart rate (HR) and/or HRV could be used to distinguish older adults who achieved elevated thermal strain, defined as either (1) an increase in core temperature >1.0 °C (occurring in 39%, 15/39) or (2) a reduction in systolic blood pressure >10 mm Hg (occurring in 67%, 26/39). Percentage of age-predicted maximal HR and percentage of heart rate reserve (HRR) were higher, whereas standard deviation of normal RR intervals, the square root of the mean of squared differences between successive RR intervals (RMSSD), high frequency power (HF), and cardiac vagal index (CVI) were lower in older compared to young adults during heat exposure (P ≤ 0.004). In older adults, increases in core temperature were correlated with percentage of age-predicted maximal HR, percentage of HRR, RMSSD, and CVI (P ≤ 0.031), whereas changes in systolic blood pressure were not significantly associated with HR or HRV indices (P ≥ 0.327). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that HR and HRV indices had generally poor ability to identify older adults with elevated thermal strain (area under the curve ≤0.65). Age-related differences in HRV, consistent with vagal withdrawal among older adults, remained during daylong heat exposure, but marked heterogeneity of response likely contributed to HRV providing limited discriminatory value in identifying changes in core temperature or blood pressure in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder interrelated with hyperlipidaemia, abdominal obesity, hypertension which are report to be related to sympathetic hyperactivity. The main aim of this study is to determine and compare autonomic status in between PCOS cases and control on the basis of heart rate variability (HRV). This case control study was conducted in RNT Medical College and Attached Group of Hospital, Udaipur (Rajasthan). The sample size of 160 cases of PCOS were included in this study with equal number of the control group. The mean outcomes were the values of HRV in the time (mean RR interval, SDNN, RMSSD, pNN50%) and frequency (Total Power, Low Frequency (LF), LF norm, High Frequency (HF), HF norm and LF/HF ratio) domains. There was significant difference in the values of the time domain (mean RR, SDNN, RMSSD, pNN50%) between the groups. In the frequency domain, women with PCOS showed significantly higher LF (P = <0.001), and LF/HF ratio (P=<0.001) than the control group. HF norm was significantly lower in the women with PCOS than in the controls. This low frequency (LF) indicates sympathetic activity, high frequency (HF) indicates vagal activity and LF/HF ratio indicates sympathovagal balance. The present study concluded sympathovagal imbalance with high sympathetic dominance in women with PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite reported physical and functional improvements with aerobic and sprint interval training (SIT) protocols in individuals with intellectual disability (ID), it is not known if these interventions' effectivity would promote improvements in cardiac autonomic modulation. This study aimed to investigate if a 6‐month SIT or a continuous aerobic programme could enhance physical performance and cardiac autonomic modulation at rest, during physical activity (PA) and after it in older adults with an ID. Methods: This is a randomised control trial. Participants with ID (age: 50.58 ± 7.25) were allocated to one of three groups [multicomponent aerobic training group (MATG), multicomponent interval sprint training group (MISTG) and control group (CG)]. The programmes lasted 24 weeks, with three sessions/week, 75–90 min per session. The HRV was analysed at rest and recovery, the delta of heart rate (HR) was analysed during 6MWT, and the HR t‐off kinetics was analysed in recovery after 6MWT. Results: There were not found differences between groups, moments, or interaction for cardiac autonomic modulation at rest and recovery. During exercise, only MSITG showed a significant increase of HR between rest and the first 30 s of exercise (P < 0.05). Physical performance increased only in MSITG (P < 0.05), while CG showed a significant reduction (P < 0.01). Conclusions: The MSITG improved the physical performance and the vagal withdrawal at the beginning of the submaximal exercise. These findings suggest that high‐intensity exercise may positively impact baroreflex function, mitigating the decline in autonomic reflex response capacity associated with aging in individuals with ID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is associated with cardiovascular risk, which is partly due to autonomic dysfunction and decreased cardiorespiratory fitness. This study examines the relationship between heart rate variability (HRV) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in T2DM patients to understand their interconnected impacts on autonomic and aerobic functions. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 77 T2DM patients underwent HRV and VO2max assessments using standard protocols. HRV metrics were analysed in conjunction with VO2max, measured through direct breath-bybreath analysis. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to investigate the relationships between HRV indices and VO2max. Results: VO2max showed strong positive correlations with RMSSD (r = 0.89, p < .001), HF (r = 0.54, p < .001), and pNN50% (r = 0.52, p < .001), indicating higher parasympathetic activity with improved cardiorespiratory fitness. Negative correlations with LF (r = -0.60, p < .001) and the LF/HF ratio (r = -0.39, p < .001) suggested that better fitness levels lead to sympathetic withdrawal and a more favourable autonomic balance. Moderate positive correlations with SDNN (r = 0.46, p < .001) and TP (r = 0.58, p < .001) further suggested that overall autonomic modulation is enhanced with increased cardiorespiratory fitness. Conclusion: This study substantiates a significant correlation between HRV and VO2max in individuals with T2DM, highlighting the intricate relationship between autonomic function and aerobic capacity. These findings suggest that enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness may improve autonomic balance, offering potential avenues for mitigating cardiovascular risk in the T2DM population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a global health concern, with cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) being a significant complication that exacerbates cardiovascular risks. Aerobic and resistance exercises are recognized for their benefits in managing T2DM, but the optimal integration of these modalities, especially for patients with T2DM, requires further exploration. Objective: To investigate the effects of the sequence of aerobic and resistance training in a concurrent training regimen on heart rate variability (HRV), glycemic control, body composition, lipid profile, and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in patients with T2DM. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 45 T2DM patients with CAN were allocated to three groups: a control group, an aerobic then resistance training (ART) group, and a resistance then aerobic training (RAT) group. Measurements were taken at baseline and after a 13-week intervention, assessing HRV, glycemic control, body composition, lipid profile, and CRF. Results: Both ART and RAT groups showed significant improvements in HRV, glycemic control, body composition, lipid profile, and CRF compared to the control group. Notably, there were no significant differences between ART and RAT groups in these outcomes, suggesting that the sequence of aerobic and resistance exercises in concurrent training does not significantly affect the health benefits attained. Conclusion: Concurrent aerobic and resistance training, irrespective of the sequence, effectively improves HRV, glycemic control, body composition, lipid profile, and CRF in T2DM patients with CAN. This study supports the inclusion of concurrent training in exercise prescriptions for managing T2DM and its complications.

Background: The modulation of cardiac sympathovagal balance alters following acute resistance training (RT) sessions. Nevertheless, the precise influence of RT at varying load intensities on this physiological response remains to be fully elucidated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the time course of recovery following low- (40%), moderate- (60%), and high- (80%) load-intensity RT protocols performed up to muscle repetition failure in resistance-trained men. Method: Sixteen young, resistance-trained men (mean age: 21.6 ± 2.5 years, mean height: 175.7 ± 8.9 cm, mean weight: 77.1 ± 11.3 kg) participated in a randomized crossover experimental design involving three sessions, each taken to the point of muscle failure. These sessions were characterized by different load intensities: low (40% of 1-repetition maximum, 1RM), moderate (60% of 1RM), and high (80% of 1RM). The exercise regimen comprised four exercises—back squat (BS), bench press (BnP), barbell row (BR), and shoulder press (SP)—with each exercise consisting of three sets. Throughout each session, heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure (BP) parameters were assessed both pre-exercise and during a 40 min post-exercise period, segmented into 10 min intervals for stabilization. Statistical analysis involved the use of a repeated measures ANOVA. Results: It was observed that the 40% and 60% RT sessions resulted in a significantly higher root mean square of successive R-R intervals (RMSSD) value compared to the 80% RT session in the post-exercise recovery process in 30 min (respectively, p = 0.025; p = 0.028) and 40 min (respectively, p = 0.031; p = 0.046), while the 40% and 60% RT sessions produced similar responses. The 40% RT session was significantly higher in the high frequency (HF) value post-exercise in 40 min compared to the 80% RT session (p = 0.045). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that engaging in resistance training (RT) sessions to muscle failure at an intensity of 80% induces acute increases in sympathetic activity, potentially leading to elevated cardiovascular stress. For individuals with normal blood pressure, it is advisable to opt for lighter loads and higher repetition volumes when prescribing RT, as heavier-load RT may carry an increased risk of cardiac-related factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Generally, in the aging process, there is degradation of autonomic nervous control mechanisms, compromising the regulation of heart rate, which contributes to increased frailty and the risk of falls. This process is defined as a geriatric syndrome that leads to impairment of physiological systems and homeostatic imbalance. Objective: To correlate heart rate variability (HRV), frailty parameters, and the risk of falls in elderly people from a community center. Methods: This research will involve active seniors and participants from the Centro de Convivências de Praia Grande, São Paulo, Brazil. Clinical, demographic, and anthropometric data, psychological variables, and physical conditions will be collected through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the risk of falls test. The heart rate R-R intervals will be analyzed using the H10 polar frequency meter and the HRV application, and transferred to the Kúbios software for further analysis.Results: Two hundred and fourteen participants are involved in this study, 181 (84.6%) of whom are female, 137 (64.0%) are white, with a mean age of 70.27 ± 7.07 years, a weight of 68.37 ± 11.15 kg, and a body mass index of 27.04 ± 4.04 kg/m2. Conclusion: A positive correlation is expected through the stratified analysis of frailty indices, risk of falls, and HRV, suggesting that the lower the HRV, the greater the risk of falls and the greater frailty in the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Meta-analyses have demonstrated that isometric handgrip training (IHT) decreases blood pressure in hypertensive individuals. Nonetheless, most studies were conducted in laboratory settings and its effects in real-world settings remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of IHT on office and ambulatory blood pressure in hypertensive patients attended within primary healthcare. DESIGN AND SETTING: Randomized controlled trial conducted in primary healthcare units within the Family Health Program, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil. METHODS: 63 hypertensive patients (30-79 years old; 70% female) were randomly allocated into IHT or control groups. IHT was performed three times per week (4 x 2 minutes at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction, one-minute rest between bouts, alternating the hands). Before and after the 12-week training period, office and ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate variability were obtained. The significance level was set at P < 0.05 (two-tailed testing) for all analyses. RESULTS: IHT significantly decreased office systolic blood pressure (IHT: 129 ± 4 versus 121 ± 3 mmHg, P < 0.05; control: 126 ± 4 versus 126 ± 3 mmHg, P > 0.05), whereas there was no effect on diastolic blood pressure (IHT: 83 ± 3 versus 79 ± 2 mmHg, P > 0.05; control: 81 ± 3 versus 77 ± 3 mmHg, P > 0.05). Heart rate variability and ambulatory blood pressure were not altered by the interventions (P > 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: IHT reduced office systolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients attended within primary care. However, there were effects regarding diastolic blood pressure, ambulatory blood pressure or heart rate variability. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT03216317.

Abstract Background Although cardiac autonomic modulation has been studied in several respiratory diseases, the evidence is limited on lung transplantation, particularly on its acute and chronic effects. Thus, we aimed to evaluate cardiac autonomic modulation before and after bilateral lung transplantation (BLT) through a prospective study on patients enrolled while awaiting transplant. Methods Twenty-two patients on the waiting list for lung transplantation (11 women, age 33 [24–51] years) were enrolled in a prospective study at Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Hospital in Milan, Italy. To evaluate cardiac autonomic modulation, ten minutes ECG and respiration were recorded at different time points before (T0) and 15 days (T1) and 6 months (T2) after bilateral lung transplantation. As to the analysis of cardiac autonomic modulation, heart rate variability (HRV) was assessed using spectral and symbolic analysis. Entropy-derived measures were used to evaluate complexity of cardiac autonomic modulation. Comparisons of autonomic indices at different time points were performed. Results BLT reduced HRV total power, HRV complexity and vagal modulation, while it increased sympathetic modulation in the acute phase (T1) compared to baseline (T0). The HRV alterations remained stable after 6 months (T2). Conclusion BLT reduced global variability and complexity of cardiac autonomic modulation in acute phases, and these alterations remain stable after 6 months from surgery. After BLT, a sympathetic predominance and a vagal withdrawal could be a characteristic autonomic pattern in this population.

Nakamura, FY, Torres, VBC, da Silva, LS, Gantois, P, Andrade, AD, Ribeiro, ALB, Brasileiro-Santos, MdS, and Batista, GR. Monitoring heart rate variability and perceived well-being in Brazilian elite beach volleyball players: A single-tournament pilot study. J Strength Cond Res 36(6): 1708–1714, 2022—The aim of this study was to monitor the changes in heart rate variability (HRV) and perceptual well-being status after a beach volleyball (BV) tournament day in high-level U17 and senior players. Seventeen BV players (U17 [15–16 years]: n = 08; and senior [19–41 years]: n = 09) competing at national and/or international BV level participated in this study. Resting HRV and perceptual well-being measures were recorded across 4 moments: night 1 (prematches night), morning 1 (prematches morning), night 2 (postmatches night), and morning 2 (postmatches morning). Session rating of perceived exertion was assessed 10 minutes after each match, and accumulated match loads were used for analysis. Senior players presented higher values of natural logarithm of square root of the mean squared differences of successive RR intervals (lnRMSSD) at the 4 observation moments than U17 players (p = 0.006). Within-subjects analysis showed a larger mean difference regarding both lnRMSSD and natural logarithm SD of normal R-R intervals (lnSDNN) between night 1 vs. night 2 in U17 players (effect size = 1.11 and, 0.96, respectively) compared with senior (effect size = 0.40 and 0.32, respectively). Accumulated match loads were negatively correlated with percentage change in lnRMSSD (r = −0.54; p = 0.037). U17 players showed higher well-being variation than senior (group × time; p = 0.02). In conclusion, the lnRMSSD index was able to discriminate the U17 and senior BV players, and maintaining high vagally related HRV indices is an important response to BV training and competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertension is associated to impaired baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). In spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), pregnancy reduces blood pressure, and this effect has been associated to increase nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Increased NO bioavailability has been linked to improve BRS in hypertensive animals. Therefore, we hypothesize that pregnancy improves the BRS in SHR. We performed experiments to evaluate the vasomotor and cardiac autonomic modulation, also to evaluate the BRS at baseline conditions (spontaneous) and after phenylephrine (PE) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) administrations in non-pregnant (NP) and pregnant (P) Wistar rats and SHR. Beat-to-beat time series with systolic arterial pressure values were generated and processed by Fast Fourier Transform (spectral analysis). Next, spectra were integrated into low-frequency (LF) band and had their power taken as an index of sympathetic modulation on arterial pressure. Reduced mean arterial pressure was observed in P-groups when compared to NP matched rats, although we did not observe alterations in heart rate (HR). In SHR-NP, spectral analysis revealed altered cardiovascular autonomic modulation when compared to the other groups. However, in SHR-P the autonomic parameters were similar to those observed in Wistar-NP, suggesting that pregnancy changed autonomic modulation. BRS assessed by means of the sequence method was found similar in P-groups. Pregnancy reduced the BRS during hypotension in Wistar. BRS assessed with PE and SNP administration was found lower in SHR-NP as compared to Wistar-NP, and it was not altered by pregnancy. In conclusion, pregnancy did not improve the BRS in SHR, but normalized altered sympathetic vasomotor modulation in SHR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The professionals who perform cleaning activity constitute a major economic sector in Brazil. Cleaners may develop health problems related to the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems. It is necessary to understand the working and health conditions of cleaners in Brazil. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms and heart rate variability (HRV) among cleaners. Methods A cross-sectional study conducted at a public higher education institution with 45 outsourced cleaners following approval from the institutional ethics committee. The participants answered a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic, occupational and health data, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, the Physical Activity Questionnaire (work and leisure) and the short version of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire. Clinical data (height, body mass, waist-to-hip ratio and blood pressure) and heart rate variability (HRV) were also collected. Logistic and linear regression models were created to identify factors associated with symptoms and HRV. Results The sample consisted of women (100%) predominantly older than 50 years of age (44%), without a conjugal life (64%), with three or more children (59%), low educational level (58%) and who worked less than 12 months at the company (87%). Systemic arterial hypertension (23%) was the most reported health problem. The highest frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms was identified in the lower limbs (ankles/feet: 31% in the previous 12 months and 24% in the previous 7 days; knees: 31% in the previous 12 months and 20% in the previous 7 days). Moreover, the workers reported not practicing physical activity during leisure time (84%). Psychosocial aspects indicated health risks for the dimensions “influence at work” (74%), “burnout” (59%) and “stress” (52%). Associations were found between ankle/foot symptoms and body mass index, shoulder symptoms and predictability, and knee symptoms and self-rated health and burnout. HRV indices were associated with age. Conclusions This study outlined the profile of female cleaners and identified risk factors. The workers exhibited musculoskeletal symptoms, which were associated with the body mass index and some psychosocial factors. HRV indices were associated with age. Thus, health promotion and prevention measures should be taken to benefit this population of workers.

Abstract Objective The present study aimed to analyze cardiac autonomic modulation via spectral and symbolic analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who were subjected to two consecutive tilt tests. Methods A total of 64 women were selected and divided into 2 groups: control (without PCOS), and PCOS. Concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, estradiol, homocysteine, sex hormone-binding globulin, thyroid stimulating hormone, fasting insulin, testosterone, androstenedione, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels, triglycerides, free androgen index (FAI), and homeostasis assessment model (HOMA-IR) were assessed. Cardiac autonomic modulation was evaluated by spectral and symbolic analyses during two consecutive tilt tests (two moments) and supine moments before, between and after (three moments) the tilt tests. Results Women with PCOS had higher fasting insulin, HOMA-IR indexes, testosterone and FAI. Additionally, we observed that the PCOS group had greater sympathetic autonomic cardiac modulation in supine 2, tilt 1, and supine 3 moments compared with controls. Conclusion Women with PCOS had higher autonomic sympathetic cardiac modulation even after a second tilt test. No adaptation to this provocative test was observed. Spectral analysis was more sensitive for identifying differences between groups than the symbolic analysis.

Purpose: Cardiac autonomic dysfunction in idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) manifests as reduced heart rate variability (HRV). In the present study, we explored the deceleration capacity of heart rate (DC) in patients with idiopathic PD, an advanced HRV marker that has proven clinical utility. Methods: Standard and advanced HRV measures derived from 7-min electrocardiograms in 20 idiopathic PD patients and 27 healthy controls were analyzed. HRV measures were compared using regression analysis, controlling for age, sex, and mean heart rate. Results: Significantly reduced HRV was found only in the subcohort of PD patients older than 60 years. Low- frequency power and global HRV measures were lower in patients than in controls, but standard beat-to-beat HRV markers (i.e., rMSSD and high-frequency power) were not significantly different between groups. DC was significantly reduced in the subcohort of PD patients older than 60 years compared to controls. Conclusions: Deceleration-related oscillations of HRV were significantly reduced in the older PD patients compared to healthy controls, suggesting that short-term DC may be a sensitive marker of cardiac autonomic dysfunction in PD. DC may be complementary to traditional markers of short-term HRV for the evaluation of autonomic modulation in PD. Further study to examine the association between DC and cardiac adverse events in PD is needed to clarify the clinical relevance of DC in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess whether obesity and/or maximal exercise can change 24 h cardiac autonomic modulation and blood pressure in young men. Thirty-nine men (n: 20; 21.9±1.8 kg·m−2 , and n: 19; 32.9±2.4 kg·m−2) were randomly assigned to perform a control (non-exercise) and an experimental day exercise (after maximal incremental test). Cardiac autonomic modulation was evaluated through frequency domain heart rate variability (HRV). Obesity did not impair the ambulatory HRV (p>0.05), however higher diastolic blood pressure during asleep time (p=0.02; group main effect) was observed. The 24 h and awake heart rate was higher on the experimental day (p<0.05; day main effect), regardless of obesity. Hypotension on the experimental day, compared to control day, was observed (p<0.05). Obesity indicators were significantly correlated with heart rate during asleep time (Rho=0.34 to 0.36) and with ambulatory blood pressure(r/Rho=0.32 to 0.53). Furthermore, the HRV threshold workload was significantly correlated with ambulatory heart rate (r/Rho=− 0.38 to−0.52). Finally, ambulatory HRV in obese young men was preserved; however, diastolic blood pressure was increased during asleep time. Maximal exercise caused heart rate increase and 24h hypotension, with decreased cardiac autonomic modulation in the first hour, regardless of obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of the heart rate variability (HRV) consists of changes in the time intervals between consecutive R waves. It provides information on the autonomic nervous system regulation and it is a predictor of adverse cardiovascular events. Several studies analyzed this parameter in youth and adults with Intellectual Disability (ID). Nevertheless, there is a lack of information regarding the HRV before, during, and after exercise in older adults with ID. Therefore, we aimed to describe and compare the cardiac autonomic modulation before, during, and after the six-minute walk test (6MWT) in older adults with and without ID. Twenty-four volunteers with ID and 24 without ID (non-ID) participated in this study. HRV was assessed by R-R intervals at rest, during and after the 6MWT. At rest and recovery periods, the participants remained sited. The symbolic analysis was used to evaluate non-linear HRV components. The recovery HR kinetics was assessed by the mean response time, which is equivalent to time constant (τ)+time delay (TD). Between groups differences in HRV variables were not significant. During the recovery period, HR kinetics time variables showed significant better results in non-ID participants (TD: 6±5s vs. 15±11s; τ: 19±10s vs. 35±17s; and MRT: 25±9s vs. 50±11s, all p

The analysis of the heart rate variability (HRV) consists of changes in the time intervals between consecutive R waves. It provides information on the autonomic nervous system regulation and it is a predictor of adverse cardiovascular events. Several studies analyzed this parameter in youth and adults with Intellectual Disability (ID). Nevertheless, there is a lack of information regarding the HRV before, during, and after exercise in older adults with ID. Therefore, we aimed to describe and compare the cardiac autonomic modulation before, during, and after the six-minute walk test (6MWT) in older adults with and without ID. Twenty-four volunteers with ID and 24 without ID (non-ID) participated in this study. HRV was assessed by R-R intervals at rest, during and after the 6MWT. At rest and recovery periods, the participants remained sited. The symbolic analysis was used to evaluate non-linear HRV components. The recovery HR kinetics was assessed by the mean response time, which is equivalent to time constant (τ)+time delay (TD). Between groups differences in HRV variables were not significant. During the recovery period, HR kinetics time variables showed significant better results in non-ID participants (TD: 6±5s vs. 15±11s; τ: 19±10s vs. 35±17s; and MRT: 25±9s vs. 50±11s, all p <0.050). In conclusion, our results suggest that the HRV in older adults with and without ID is similar during rest, exercise, and recovery. Recovery HR kinetics after the 6MWT was slower in older adults with ID. The reason for these results may be a reduced post-exercise vagal rebound in older adults with ID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study sought to expand upon prior investigations of the relationship between the post-exercise heart rate recovery (HRR) and the cardiac autonomic responsiveness after orthostatic stress test. Method: HRR at the 1st, 3rd, and 5th min after maximal exercise test were correlated with relative change (Δ%) of time-domain (CV, pNN50, and rMSSD) and frequency-domain (TP, LF, HF, and LF/HF ratio) indices of heart rate variability (HRV) after active orthostatic test in 46 healthy men. Statistical analysis employed non-parametric tests with a p-value set at 5%. Results: HRR at 1st min correlated with Δ%pNN50 (rs:0.36 – p =.02). In the 3rd and 5th min, these measures correlated with Δ%pNN50, Δ%rMSSD, Δ%CV, Δ%TP, and Δ%HF indices (rs:0.33, 0.59 – p ≤.05). Coefficient of HRR at the 1st min correlated with Δ%pNN50, Δ%rMSSD, and Δ%HF (rs:0.28, 0.45 – p ≤.05). The 3rd and 5th min showed correlation with Δ%pNN50, Δ%rMSSD, Δ%HF, Δ%CV, and Δ%TP (rs:0.37, 0.64 – p ≤.05). No correlation was found with indices combined sympathetic-parasympathetic modulation and HRR. After the sample was divided into high and low parasympathetic responsiveness subgroups after the orthostatic test, faster HRR was associated with the degree of parasympathetic responsiveness (reduction) following postural change (p ≤.05). Conclusion: HRR throughout the 1st to 5th min is positively correlated with parasympathetic responsiveness and overall cardiac autonomic modulation of HRV after the orthostatic stress test, and faster HRR is positively correlated with the relative degree of parasympathetic responsiveness after the active postural change at rest in healthy men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) exerts a cortical modulating effect through its diffuse projections, especially involving cerebral structures related to autonomic regulation. The influence of VNS on cardiovascular autonomic function in drug-resistant epilepsy patients is still debated. We aimed to evaluate the impact of VNS on cardiovascular autonomic function in drug-resistant epilepsy patients, after three months of neurostimulation, using the heart rate variability (HRV) analysis.

Background: Although cardiac autonomic modulation has been studied in several respiratory diseases, the evidence is limited on lung transplantation, particularly on its acute and chronic effects. Thus, we aimed to evaluate cardiac autonomic modulation before and after bilateral lung transplantation (BLT) through a prospective study on patients enrolled while awaiting transplant.Methods: Twenty-two patients on the waiting list for lung transplantation (11 women, age 33 [24-51] years) were enrolled in a prospective study at Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Hospital in Milan, Italy. To evaluate cardiac autonomic modulation, ten minutes ECG and respiration were recorded at different time points before (T0) and 15 days (T1) and 6 months (T2) after bilateral lung transplantation. As to the analysis of cardiac autonomic modulation, heart rate variability (HRV) was assessed using spectral and symbolic analysis. Entropy-derived measures were used to evaluate complexity of cardiac autonomic modulation. Comparisons of autonomic indices at different time points were performed.Results: BLT reduced HRV total power, HRV complexity and vagal modulation, while it increased sympathetic modulation in the acute phase (T1) compared to baseline (T0). The HRV alterations remained stable after 6 months (T2).Conclusion: BLT reduced global variability and complexity of cardiac autonomic modulation in acute phases, and these alterations remain stable after 6 months from surgery. After BLT, a sympathetic predominance and a vagal withdrawal could be a characteristic autonomic pattern in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Susceptibility to heat illness during physically demanding work in hot environments is greater on the second of two consecutive workdays. While it has been demonstrated that heat storage is exacerbated on the second compared to first workday in older workers (50–65 yr), the effects on heart rate variability (HRV), an established surrogate of cardiac autonomic modulation, remain unclear. This study evaluated HRV in older workers on the day following prolonged work in the heat. Electrocardiogram was recorded in nine older (53–64 yr) males at rest, during three 30-min bouts of semi-recumbent cycling at fixed rates of metabolic heat production (150, 200, 250 W/m2), each separated by 15-min recovery. Experiments were conducted in hot-dry conditions (40 °C, 20% relative humidity), immediately prior to (Day 1), and on the day following (Day 2), a prolonged work simulation (∼7.5 hr) involving moderate intensity intermittent exercise in hot-dry conditions (38 °C, 34% relative humidity). Core temperature, as well as time, frequency, and nonlinear HRV indices were derived for analysis during rest, the final 5-min of exercise at the highest heat production and recovery. The change in core temperature at the end of work (mean ±SD) was significantly greater on Day 2 (1.0 °C ±0.3) relative to Day 1 (0.8 °C ±0.2; p < 0.01). Heart rate, however, did not significantly differ between days 1 and 2 at rest (Day 1, 59 ±11 bpm; Day 2, 62 ±13 bpm), during exercise (Day 1, 113 ±21 bpm; Day 2, 114 ±18 bpm) and at the end of recovery (Day 1, 75 ±16 bpm; Day 2, 76 ±12 bpm). Likewise, there were no significant differences in any HRV indices derived from time, frequency, and nonlinear domains (all p > 0.05). Prolonged work in the heat did not modulate next-day heart rhythms, as reflected by HRV, despite augmented core temperature. While HRV can reflect physiological aspects of cardiac autonomic stressors, these findings indicate it does not provide a means to identify exacerbated heat strain in older workers over consecutive work shifts in the heat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To analyze whether heart rate variability is reproducible after maximal exercise, 11 men (22.1±3.2 years) performed four incremental exercise tests followed by passive or active recovery. There was high reliability (intraclass coefficient correlation: 0.72–0.96) and fair-to-excellent agreement (coefficient of variation: 7.81–22.09%) in passive recovery, as well as moderate-to-high reliability (intraclass coefficient correlation: 0.50–0.87) and good agreement (coefficient of variation: 11.08–20.89%) in active recovery for LnRMSSD index. There was moderate-to-high reliability (intraclass coefficient correlation: 0.51–0.81) and good agreement (coefficient of variation: 10.41–18.87%) in most of the analyzed time points, in both recovery types for LnSDNN. In both types of recovery, the time domain heart rate variability 5–10 min indices (passive: intraclass coefficient correlation : 0.87–0.88; coefficient of variation: 7.67–13.44%; active: intraclass coefficient correlation 0.59–0.80; coefficient of variation: 14.62–16.26%) presented higher intraclass coefficient correlation and lower coefficient of variation than the spectral heart rate variability indices (passive: intraclass coefficient correlation: 0.71–0.87; coefficient of variation: 12.33–34.21%; active: intraclass coefficient correlation: 0.46–0.77; coefficient of variation: 24.41–105.12%). The LnRMSSD and LnSDNN indices analyzed in 30 s segments and the heart rate variability 5–10 min indices after maximal exercise in untrained healthy men showed satisfactory reproducibility, regardless of the type of recovery, with the time-domain indices showing higher reproducibility than the frequency-domain indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The professionals who perform cleaning activity constitute a major economic sector in Brazil. Cleaners may develop health problems related to the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems. It is necessary to understand the working and health conditions of cleaners in Brazil. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms and heart rate variability (HRV) among cleaners.Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted at a public higher education institution with 45 outsourced cleaners following approval from the institutional ethics committee. The participants answered a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic, occupational and health data, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, the Physical Activity Questionnaire (work and leisure) and the short version of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire. Clinical data (height, body mass, waist-to-hip ratio and blood pressure) and heart rate variability (HRV) were also collected. Logistic and linear regression models were created to identify factors associated with symptoms and HRV.Results: The sample consisted of women (100%) predominantly older than 50 years of age (44%), without a conjugal life (64%), with three or more children (59%), low educational level (58%) and who worked less than 12 months at the company (87%). Systemic arterial hypertension (23%) was the most reported health problem. The highest frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms was identified in the lower limbs (ankles/feet: 31% in the previous 12 months and 24% in the previous 7 days; knees: 31% in the previous 12 months and 20% in the previous 7 days). Moreover, the workers reported not practicing physical activity during leisure time (84%). Psychosocial aspects indicated health risks for the dimensions "influence at work" (74%), "burnout" (59%) and "stress" (52%). Associations were found between ankle/foot symptoms and body mass index, shoulder symptoms and predictability, and knee symptoms and self-rated health and burnout. HRV indices were associated with age.Conclusions: This study outlined the profile of female cleaners and identified risk factors. The workers exhibited musculoskeletal symptoms, which were associated with the body mass index and some psychosocial factors. HRV indices were associated with age. Thus, health promotion and prevention measures should be taken to benefit this population of workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mice are among the most widely used translational models of cardiovascular aging and offer a method to quickly assess lifespan changes in a controlled environment. The standard laboratory temperature (20–22 °C), however, imposes a cold stress on mice that causes an increase in sympathetic nervous system–mediated activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) to maintain a core body temperature of 36–37 °C. Thus, while physiologic data obtained recapitulate human physiology to a certain degree, interpretations of previous research in mice may have been contaminated by a cold stress, due to housing mice below their thermoneutral zone (30 °C). The purpose of this investigation was to examine how chronic sympathetic stimulation evoked by acclimation to 20 °C might obscure interpretation of changes in autonomic modulation of heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) that accompany advancing age. HR and HRV before and after administration of a dual-autonomic blockade were measured via in-vivo ECG in young (3 months) and aged (30 months) male C57BL/6 telemetry-implanted mice following temperature acclimation for 3 days at 30 °C or 20 °C. Mean basal and intrinsic HR of both young and aged mice became markedly reduced at 30 °C compared to 20 °C. In both age groups, HRV parameters in time, frequency, and non-linear domains displayed increased variability at 30 °C compared to 20 °C under basal conditions. Importantly, age-associated declines in HRV observed at 20 °C were ameliorated when mice were studied at their thermoneutral ambient temperature of 30 °C. Thus, an accurate understanding of autonomic modulation of cardiovascular functions in mice of advanced age requires that they are housed in a metabolically neutral environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different exercise models have been used in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), like moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) and high intensity interval training (HIIT); however, their effects on autonomic modulation are unknown. The present study aimed to compare the effects of different exercise modes on autonomic modulation in patients with T2D. In total, 44 adults with >5 years of T2D diagnosis were recruited and stratified into three groups: HIIT-30:30 (n = 15, age 59.13 ± 5.57 years) that performed 20 repetitions of 30 s at 100% of VO2peak with passive recovery, HIIT-2:2 (n = 14, age 61.20 ± 2.88) that performed 5 repetitions of 2 min at 100% of VO2peak with passive recovery, and MICT (n = 15, age 58.50 ± 5.26) that performed 14 min of continuous exercise at 70% of VO2peak. All participants underwent anamnesis and evaluation of cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiac autonomic modulation. All protocols were equated by total distance and were performed two times per week for 8 weeks. Group × time interactions were observed for resting heart rate (HRrest) [F(2.82) = 3.641; p = 0.031] and SDNN [F(2.82) = 3.462; p = 0.036]. Only the HIIT-30:30 group significantly reduced SDNN (p = 0.002 and 0.025, respectively). HRrest reduced more in the HIIT-30:30 group compared with the MICT group (p = 0.038). Group × time interactions were also observed for offTAU [F(2.82) = 3.146; p = 0.048] and offTMR [F(2.82) = 4.424; p = 0.015]. The MICT group presented increased values of offTAU compared with the HIIT-30:30 and HIIT-2:2 groups (p = 0.001 and 0.013, respectively), representing a slower HR response after eight weeks of intervention. HIIT, specially HIIT-30:30, represents a promising measure for improving autonomic modulation in patients with T2D.

Background: the clustering of metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk factors is becoming more prevalent in children, leading to the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular diseases in early adulthood. The impact of MetS risk factors on cardiac autonomic modulation (CAM) or vice versa has been noted to track from childhood to pre-adolescence and adolescence. Understating associations in this age group may help to improve the clinical outcomes of the MetS, even when MetS symptoms are not visible. Potential damage from each individual MetS component and the ability to predict early cardiac damage or upcoming cardiovascular events is very important. Therefore, the present systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the associations between CAM and MetS risk factors individually to verify which of the MetS risk components were significantly correlated with heart rate variability (HRV) indices before or at the onset of the MetS among young people. The purpose of this review was to outline the importance of potentially screening HRV indices in young people even with only one MetS risk factor, as a pre-indicator for early cardiovascular risk stratification. Methods: cross-sectional studies that examined the relationship of MetS risk factors with HRV indices were searched using four databases including PubMed, the Cochrane clinical trials library, Medline and the Web of Science. Correlation coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), and random effects meta-analyses of the association between MetS risk factors with HRV indices were performed. Results: out of 14 cross-sectional studies and one case-control study, 8 studies (10 data sets) provided association data for the meta-analysis. Our results indicated significant positive correlations for systolic blood pressure (SBP) (correlation coefficient 0.13 (95%CI: 0.06; 0.19), I2 = 47.26%) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (correlation coefficient 0.09 (95%CI: −0.01; 0.18), I2 = 0%) with a Low Frequency/High Frequency ratio (LF/HF). Significant negative correlations for waist circumference (WC) (correlation coefficient −0.12 (95%CI: −0.19; −0.04), I2 = 51.50%), Triglycerides (TGs) (correlation coefficient −0.09 (95%CI: −0.15; −0.02), I2 = 0%) and ≥2 MetS risk factors (correlation coefficient −0.10 (95%CI: −0.16; −0.03), I2 = 0%); with high frequency (HF) were revealed. Significant positive correlations for high density lipoprotein (HDL) (correlation coefficient 0.08 (95%CI: 0.05; 0.11), I2 = 0%) and significant negative correlations of ≥2 MetS risk (correlation coefficient −0.04 (95%CI: −0.12; 0.03), I2 = 0.0%) with low frequency (LF) were revealed. Significant negative correlations for TGs (correlation coefficient −0.09 (95%CI: −0.23; 0.05), I2 = 2.01%) with a mean square root of the sum of differences between mean time between two successive intervals (rMSSD) and significant positive correlation of HDL (correlation coefficient 0.09 (95%CI: −0.01; 0.19), I2 = 0.33%) with standard deviation of the time between two successive intervals (SDNN) were also revealed. An Egger’s test indicated that there was no obvious publication bias for any of the above relationships except for TGs and rMSSD. The significance level stipulated for the meta-analysis was p < 0.05. Conclusions: lipid profiles (HDL and TGs), WC and BP were associated with CAM in young people up to the age of 19 years. The use of HRV indices to predict future MetS risk, and relationships with individual risk factors including HDL, BP, WC and TGs, were established. Future studies related to young people (up to the age of 19 years) are recommended to explore the associations reported here further.

Aortic-valve sclerosis increases cardiovascular mortality risk and precedes aortic-valve stenosis, but its mechanisms are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to compare the cardiac autonomic modulation and inflammation markers between subjects with aortic-valve normal leaflets and subjects with aortic-valve sclerosis. According to 2-D transthoracic echocardiograms, 61 middle-aged volunteers without chronic or acute illnesses were classified in two groups: with no aortic-valve sclerosis (NAVS, N = 16) and with aortic-valve sclerosis (AVS, N = 45). An electrocardiogram at the supine position and active standing was collected to estimate heart rate variability (HRV) indices. A blood sample was obtained to quantify markers of inflammation. Compared to NAVS, AVS subjects showed higher levels of IL-6 (1619 ± 650 vs. 1169 ± 676 pg/mL, p = 0.044) as well as TNFα (370.8 ± 182.0 vs. 247.3 ± 188.2 pg/mL, p = 0.032), and larger low-frequency (LF) to high-frequency (HF) ratio during supine position (Ln(LF/HF) = 0.85 ± 0.85 vs. 0.11 ± 0.69, p = 0.003). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that AVS was independently associated with LF/HF, TNFα and left ventricle mass index (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a significant reduction of the parasympathetic-driven cardiac modulation and low-grade inflammation occurs in aortic-valve sclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the cardiac autonomic modulation after 3 months of exercise in 10 elderly women with low level cognitive function. The subjects were evaluated before and after the 18 wks of physical exercise. The anthropometric and clinical variables showed a significant difference in the body fat (P=0.030), heart rate (P=0.032), and double product (P=0.013). Regarding the variable cognition can be seen that the elderly showed low level cognitive function both pre-exercise and post-exercise. Physical exercise improved the subjects' cardiac autonomic modulation with an increase in the parasympathetic nervous system and a decrease in the sympathetic nervous system. Thus, heart rate was decreased along with double product and body fat. Also, functional capacity was increased in the elderly women with low cognitive function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family history of hypertension is an important predictive factor for hypertension and is associated with hemodynamic and autonomic abnormalities. Previous studies reported that strength training might reduce arterial blood pressure (AP), as well as improve heart rate variability (HRV). However, the benefits of strength training in the offspring of hypertensive parents have not been fully evaluated. Here, we analyzed the impact of strength training on hemodynamics and autonomic parameters in offspring of hypertensive subjects. We performed a cross-sectional study with sedentary or physically active offspring of normotensives (S-ON and A-ON) or hypertensives (S-OH and A-OH). We recorded RR interval for analysis of HRV. AP was similar between groups. Sedentary offspring of hypertensives presented impairment of total variance of RR interval, as well as an increase in cardiac sympathovagal balance (S-OH: 4.2±0.7 vs S-ON: 2.8±0.4 and A-ON: 2.4±0.1). In contrast, the strength-trained group with a family history of hypertension did not show such dysfunctions. In conclusion, sedentary offspring of hypertensives, despite displaying no changes in AP, showed reduced HRV, reinforcing the hypothesis that autonomic dysfunctions have been associated with higher risk of hypertension onset. Our findings demonstrated that strength-trained offspring of hypertensives did not present impaired HRV, thus reinforcing the benefits of an active lifestyle in the prevention of early dysfunctions associated with the onset of hypertension in predisposed populations.

Introduction: Successful regulation of emotional states is positively associated to mental health, while difficulties in regulating emotions are negatively associated to overall mental health and in particular associated with anxiety or depression symptoms. A key structure associated to socio-emotional regulatory processes is the central autonomic network. Activity in this structure is associated to vagal activity can be indexed noninvasively and simply by measures of peripheral cardiac autonomic modulations such as heart rate variability. Vagal activity exhibits a circadian variation pattern, with a maximum during nighttime. Depression is known to affect chronobiology. Also, depressive symptoms are known to be associated with decreased resting state vagal activity, but studies investigating the association between circadian variation pattern of vagal activity and depressive symptoms are scarce. We aim to examine these patterns in association to symptom severity of depression using chronobiologic methods. Methods: Data from the Manheim Industrial Cohort Studies (MICS) were used. A total of 3,030 predominantly healthy working adults underwent, among others, ambulatory 24-h hear rate-recordings, detailed health examination and online questionnaires and were available for this analysis. The root mean sum of successive differences (RMSSD) was used as an indicator of vagally mediated heart rate variability. Three individual-level cosine function parameters (MESOR, amplitude, acrophase) were estimated to quantify circadian variation pattern. Multivariate linear regression models including important covariates such as age, sex, and lifestyle factors as well as an interaction effect of sex with depressive symptoms were used to estimate the association of circadian variation pattern of vagal activity with depressive symptoms simultaneously. Results: The analysis sample consisted of 20.2% females and an average age 41 with standard deviation of 11 years. Nonparametric bivariate analysis revealed significant MESOR and amplitude differences between the 90th percentile split, but not on acrophase. Multivariate linear regression models estimated depressive symptoms to be negatively associated with the 24h mean (MESOR) and oscillation amplitude in men but positively associated in women. This pattern of findings indicates a blunted day-night rhythm of vagal activity in men with greater depressive symptoms as well as a moderation effect of sex in the association of CVP and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: This is the first study investigating circadian variation pattern by mild depressive symptoms in a large, rather healthy occupational sample. Depressive symptoms were associated with decreased circadian variation pattern of vagal activity in men but with increased circadian variation pattern in women. The possible underlying mechanism(s) are discussed using the neurovisceral integration model. These findings may have implications for the knowledge on etiology, diagnosis, course, and treatment of depressive symptoms and thus may be of significant public health relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Patients with chronic Chagas cardiopathy (CCC), which may be associated with cardiac arrhythmias, frequently use amiodarone, an antiarrhythmic drug that, experimentally, appears to modulate the cardiac autonomic function. Objective: The present cross‐sectional observational study aimed to evaluate autonomic cardiac modulation in patients with CCC undergoing chronic amiodarone therapy. Methods: Three groups were investigated: Group 1 included patients with CCC not treated with amiodarone (n = 27); Group 2 included patients with CCC with prolonged use (at least 6 months) of amiodarone (n = 16); and Group 3 included non‐Chagasic control patients (n = 23). All patients underwent a complete clinical and laboratory assessment, followed by autonomic function tests, consisting of a basal continuous electrocardiogram in the resting supine position for 10 minutes, followed by a change the orthostatic posture for a further 5 minutes. Heart rate variability (HRV) parameters (median and interquartile interval) were quantified using linear methods in the time‐ and frequency‐domains (autoregressive spectral analysis) and nonlinear methods, including symbolic analysis. Results: Patients with CCC using amiodarone had changes in HRV suggestive of an offset in the sympatho‐vagal balance with a vagal modulation predominance (normalized HF, 49.7[27.4] vs 31.1[22.8] [P < 0.05]; and percentage 2V, 40.1 [14.6] vs 21.5 [13.4] [P < 0.05] vs untreated CCC group). These changes were further accompanied by increases in parameters indicative of greater complexity of HRV. Conclusions: The deviation in the sympatho‐vagal balance and the increase in the complexity of HRV strongly suggest that amiodarone may have a cardioprotective effect, in addition to its antiarrhythmic effects, which could increase the survival of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aortic-valve sclerosis increases cardiovascular mortality risk and precedes aortic-valve stenosis, but its mechanisms are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to compare the cardiac autonomic modulation and inflammation markers between subjects with aortic-valve normal leaflets and subjects with aortic-valve sclerosis. According to 2-D transthoracic echocardiograms, 61 middle-aged volunteers without chronic or acute illnesses were classified in two groups: with no aortic-valve sclerosis (NAVS, N = 16) and with aortic-valve sclerosis (AVS, N = 45). An electrocardiogram at the supine position and active standing was collected to estimate heart rate variability (HRV) indices. A blood sample was obtained to quantify markers of inflammation. Compared to NAVS, AVS subjects showed higher levels of IL-6 (1619 ± 650 vs. 1169 ± 676 pg/mL, p = 0.044) as well as TNFα (370.8 ± 182.0 vs. 247.3 ± 188.2 pg/mL, p = 0.032), and larger low-frequency (LF) to high-frequency (HF) ratio during supine position (Ln(LF/HF) = 0.85 ± 0.85 vs. 0.11 ± 0.69, p = 0.003). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that AVS was independently associated with LF/HF, TNFα and left ventricle mass index (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a significant reduction of the parasympathetic-driven cardiac modulation and low-grade inflammation occurs in aortic-valve sclerosis.

Recent studies indicate that migraine is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, links between autonomic cardiovascular regulation, arterial hypertension (AH) and migraine are still little explored. In this study, we evaluated autonomic regulation in migraine patients with and without hypertension. We studied 104 patients with migraine, aged 34 ± 10 y, including 28 with and 76 without hypertension (M + AH and M − AH groups, respectively). The control group consisted of 88 healthy volunteers matched by age and sex. The autonomic regulation of circulation was examined with the tilt-table test, deep-breathing and Valsalva Maneuver, handgrip test, cold-stress induced vasoconstriction, arterial baroreflex, and blood pressure variability measurements. We found that migraine patients with concomitant hypertension demonstrated reduced arterial baroreflex, whereas other parameters of cardiac autonomic regulation were unchanged. In contrast, most indicators of vasomotor reactivity (blood pressure response to the hand-grip, Valsalva maneuver and cold vasoconstriction) were enhanced in migraine patients with no significant differences between migraine patients with and without hypertension. Patients from both M + AH and M − AH groups more commonly had a family history of cardiovascular disorders. Our data revealed increased vasomotor reactivity in migraine patients, with or without concomitant hypertension. This was associated with the family history of cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a heart transplant patient at his 17th year of uncomplicated follow-up. Within a frame of routine check out several tests were performed. With such a long and uneventful follow-up some degree of graft reinnervation could be anticipated. However, the patient's electrocardiogram and exercise parameters seemed largely inconclusive in this regard. The exercise heart rate dynamics were suggestive of only mild, if any parasympathetic reinnervation of the graft with persisting sympathetic activation. On the other hand, traditional heart rate variability (HRV) indices were inadequately high, due to erratic rhythm resulting from interference of the persisting recipient sinus node or nonconducted atrial parasystole. New tools, originated from network representation of time series, by visualization short-term dynamical patterns, provided a method to discern HRV increase due to reinnervation from other reasons.

BackgroundNo study to date has investigated longitudinal trajectories of cardiac autonomic modulation changes with aging; therefore, we lack evidence showing whether these changes occur naturally or are secondary to disease or medication use. This study tested whether heart rate variability (HRV) trajectories from middle to older age are largely normative or caused by pathological changes with aging in a large prospective cohort. We further assessed whether HRV changes were modified by socioeconomic status, ethnicity, or habitual physical activity. Methods and ResultsThis study involved 3176 men and 1238 women initially aged 44 to 69 years (1997–1999) from the UK Whitehall II population‐based cohort. We evaluated time‐ and frequency‐domain HRV measures of short‐term recordings at 3 time points over a 10‐year period. Random mixed models with time‐varying covariates were applied. Cross‐sectionally, HRV measures were lower for men than for women, for participants with cardiometabolic conditions, and for participants reporting use of medications other than beta blockers. Longitudinally, HRV measures decreased significantly with aging in both sexes, with faster decline in younger age groups. HRV trajectories were not explained by increased prevalence of cardiometabolic problems and/or medication use. In women, cardiometabolic problems were associated with faster decline in the standard deviation of all intervals between R waves with normal‐to‐normal conduction, in low‐frequency HRV, and in low‐frequency HRV in normalized units. Socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and habitual physical activity did not have significant effects on HRV trajectories. ConclusionsOur investigation showed a general pattern and timing of changes in indices of cardiac autonomic modulation from middle to older age. These changes seem likely to reflect the normal aging process rather than being secondary to cardiometabolic problems and medication use.

Justificative: The relationship between post-exercise heart-rate recovery (HRR) and resting cardiac autonomic modulation is an incompletely explored issue. Objective: To correlate HRR with resting supine and orthostatic autonomic status. Method: HRR at the 1st, 3th, and 5th min following maximal treadmill exercise were correlated with 5-min time-domain (CV, pNN50 and rMSSD) and frequency-domain (TP, LF, HF, LFn, HFn, and LF/HF ratio) indices of heart-rate variability (HRV) in both supine and standing positions in 31 healthy physically active non-athletes men. Statistical analysis employed non-parametric tests with two-tailed p value set at 5 %. Results: Absolute HRR and Δ %HRR at each post-exercise time did not correlated with HRV in supine position, as well as at 1st min in standing position. At the 3rd min and 5th min, these measures negatively correlated with pNN50, rMSSD, TP, and HF indices, and only in the 5th min, they showed negative correlation with HFn and positive correlation with LF, LFn, and LF/HF ratio in the standing position. Coefficient of HRR (CHRR) at the 1st min negatively correlated with pNN50 and rMSSD and at 3rd and 5th min showed positive correlation with LFn and LF/HF ratio in supine position. With HRV indices in standing position CHRR from the 1st to 5th min showed the same respective negative and positive correlations as the other measures. Conclusion: HRR from the 1st to 5th min post-exercise negatively correlated with parasympathetic modulation in resting orthostatic, but showed no correlation in supine position. At the 3rd and 5th min, a positive correlation with combined sympathetic-parasympathetic modulation in both positions was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The aim was to investigate the association between walking capacity and HRV in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD). Methods This was a cross sectional study. Ninety-five patients were recruited. Patients undertook a supine position for 20 minutes, with the final 10 minutes used to examine for resting HRV. Time domain, frequency domain, and non-linear indices were evaluated. A maximal treadmill test (Gardner protocol) was performed to assess maximal walking distance (MWD) and claudication distance (CD) in groups of PAD patients based upon their walking abilities (low, moderate, high). Differences between PAD patient groups were examined using non-parametric analyses, and Spearman rank correlations identified the relationship between MWD and CD, and HRV parameters. Results Symptomatic PAD patients with high MWD exhibited significantly greater HRV than patients with low MWD. Furthermore, MWD was positively associated with time domain and non-linear indices of HRV (all p < .05). However, no statistically significant correlations were observed between CD and HRV parameters or between PAD groups. Conclusion A greater walking capacity is associated with better HRV in symptomatic PAD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fine particulate matter (PM) is one of the major pollutants in metropolitan areas. The current study was conducted to observe the effects of PM on cardiac autonomic modulation. The participants included 619 men and women aged from 35-75 in a residential area in Shanghai, China. All the participants were divided into four categories according to the distance between their apartments and major road. In addition, individual PM was measured using SIDEPAKTM AM510 (TSI, USA) from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. At the end of the individual PM measurement, the systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, heart rate (HR), low-frequency (LF), high-frequency (HF), and LF/HF were determined. The association between individual PM level and the above health effects was analyzed using generalized linear regression. The results showed that the average concentration of individual PM was 95.5 and 87.0 μg/m for men and women. Residential distance to major road was negatively correlated with the individual PM. The results indicated that per 1.0 μg/m increase of individual PM was associated with a 2.3 % increase for systolic pressure, 0.3 % increase for diastolic pressure, 0.4 % decrease for LF, and 0.4 % decrease for HF. Nevertheless, there was no statistical association between individual PM and heart rate and LF/HF in the total model. In addition, the similar results were found in men and women excluding a significant association between PM and the heart rate in men. The alterations of cardiac autonomic modulation hinted that PM exposure might be associated with the potential occurrence of cardiovascular disease, such as arrhythmia and ischemic heart diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate cardiac autonomic modulation in university athletes during the post-acute to late phase (mean, 95 days ±63) of injury at rest and during physical exertion. We also sought to evaluate the effect of time since injury and number of injuries on heart rate variability (HRV). We hypothesized that physical exertion would reveal persisting modifications in HRV following a concussion. We included, in a cross-sectional design, athletes who sustained a concussion and matched controls. Concussions were identified by a medical doctor using established criteria. Twelve male concussed and 12 control athletes took part in the study. Control participants were teammates who were chosen to match the concussed athletes with regard to their height, weight, education, and age. The beat-to-beat electrocardiogram intervals of the participants were measured at rest and during physical exertion (isometric hand grip contraction; IHGC), which was sustained for 3 minutes at 30% of the participants' maximum. Linear and nonlinear parameters of HRV were calculated. The ratio between low and high frequency (LF/HF) bands was calculated to assess the sympathovagal balance. During the IHGC, but not at rest, concussed athletes presented significantly lower power in HF bands, leading to a significantly higher LF/HF ratio ( p ≤ 0.05). Thus, asymptomatic athletes still may exhibit modifications in cardiac autonomic modulation weeks to months following injury. These modifications may only become apparent during physical exertion. Monitoring HRV may aid diagnosis and provide insight about safe return to play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a heart transplant patient at his 17th year of uncomplicated follow-up. Within a frame of routine check out several tests were performed. With such a long and uneventful follow-up some degree of graft reinnervation could be anticipated. However, the patient's electrocardiogram and exercise parameters seemed largely inconclusive in this regard. The exercise heart rate dynamics were suggestive of only mild, if any parasympathetic reinnervation of the graft with persisting sympathetic activation. On the other hand, traditional heart rate variability (HRV) indices were inadequately high, due to erratic rhythm resulting from interference of the persisting recipient sinus node or non-conducted atrial parasystole. New tools, originated from network representation of time series, by visualization short-term dynamical patterns, provided a method to discern HRV increase due to reinnervation from other reasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]