Heart Rate Variability In Men Research Articles

The association between perceived social functioning and heart rate variability is mediated by subclinical depressive symptomatology and moderated by gender.

Chronic loneliness and low perceived social support have been recognized as risk factors for both mental and cardiovascular disorders. It has been proposed that their link to psychophysiological problems may involve changes in parasympathetic activity. However, the exact underlying psychopathological mechanisms and the moderating effects of gender are still not thoroughly examined. Thus, the present study investigated associations between perceived social functioning and resting vagal tone in the context of potential cognitive and subclinical mediators and gender differences. Three hundred twenty-five young adults (aged 18-35, 180 women) underwent an electrocardiogram measurement of 6-minute resting heart rate variability (HRV). They also completed questionnaires assessing loneliness, perceived social support, social cognitive biases, depressive and social anxiety symptoms, and general mental health. In men, HRV was significantly and negatively associated with poorer perceived social functioning, depressive symptoms, and self-reported social cognitive biases, while in women, there was a quadratic link between HRV and depressive symptoms and HRV and general mental health. Moderated mediation analysis revealed that depressive symptoms fully mediated the relationship between perceived social functioning and HRV in men. The results suggest that decreased resting vagal tone in lonely individuals is linked to depressive symptomatology rather than to specific social cognitive biases and that this association is significant only in men.

Autonomic regulation in different hypertensive phenotypes - the HELIUS study

Background: Hypertension can be classified into different phenotypes based on systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) that carry a different prognosis and may therefore be differently associated with sympathetic activity. We assessed the association between cardiac autonomic function determined from continuous finger BP recordings and hypertensive phenotypes. Methods: We included 10,221 individuals aged between 18-70 years from the multi-ethnic HELIUS study. Finger BP was recorded continuously for 3-5 minutes from which cross-correlation baroreflex sensitivity (xBRS) and heart rate variability (HRV) were determined. Hypertension was classified into isolated systolic (ISH; ≥140/<90), diastolic (IDH; <140/≥90) and combined systolic and diastolic hypertension (SDH; ≥140/≥90). Differences were assessed after stratification by age (younger: ≤40, older: >40 years) and sex, using regression with correction for relevant covariates. For xBRS, values were log-transformed. Results: In younger adults with ISH, xBRS was comparable to normotensive individuals in men (ratio 0.92; 95%CI 0.84-1.01) and women (1.00; 95%CI 0.84-1.20), while xBRS was significantly lower in IDH and SDH (ratios between 0.67 and 0.80). In older adults, all hypertensive phenotypes had significantly lower xBRS compared to normotensives. We found a similar pattern for HRV in men, while in women HRV did not differ between phenotypes. Conclusions: In younger men and women ISH is not associated with a shift towards increased sympathetic control, while IDH and SDH in younger and all hypertensive phenotypes in older participants were associated with increased sympathetic control. This suggests that alterations in autonomic regulation could be a contributing factor to known prognostic disparities between hypertensive phenotypes.

Sex differences in associations of plasma metabolites with blood pressure and heart rate variability: The HELIUS study

Background and aimsSince plasma metabolites can modulate blood pressure (BP) and vary between men and women, we examined sex differences in plasma metabolite profiles associated with BP and sympathicovagal balance. Our secondary aim was to investigate associations between gut microbiota composition and plasma metabolites predictive of BP and heart rate variability (HRV). MethodsFrom the HELIUS cohort, we included 196 women and 173 men. Office systolic BP and diastolic BP were recorded, and heart rate variability (HRV) and baroreceptor sensitivity (BRS) were calculated using finger photoplethysmography. Plasma metabolomics was measured using untargeted LC-MS/MS. Gut microbiota composition was determined using 16S sequencing. We used machine learning models to predict BP and HRV from metabolite profiles, and to predict metabolite levels from gut microbiota composition. ResultsIn women, best predicting metabolites for systolic BP included dihomo-lineoylcarnitine, 4-hydroxyphenylacetateglutamine and vanillactate. In men, top predictors included sphingomyelins, N-formylmethionine and conjugated bile acids. Best predictors for HRV in men included phenylacetate and gentisate, which were associated with lower HRV in men but not in women. Several of these metabolites were associated with gut microbiota composition, including phenylacetate, multiple sphingomyelins and gentisate. ConclusionsPlasma metabolite profiles are associated with BP in a sex-specific manner. Catecholamine derivatives were more important predictors for BP in women, while sphingomyelins were more important in men. Several metabolites were associated with gut microbiota composition, providing potential targets for intervention.

Sex differences and sex steroids influence on the presentation and severity of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy of patients with type 1 diabetes

BackgroundSex differences characterize cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 1 diabetes. Cardioautonomic neuropathy is a common complication of type 1 diabetes that associates increased morbi-mortality. Data regarding the interplay between sex and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy are scarce and controversial in these patients. We aimed to address sex-related differences in the prevalence of seemingly asymptomatic cardioautonomic neuropathy in type 1 diabetes, and their associations with sex steroids.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study including 322 consecutively recruited patients with type 1 diabetes. Cardioautonomic neuropathy was diagnosed using Ewing's score and power spectral heart rate data. We assessed sex hormones by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.ResultsWhen considering all subjects as a whole, asymptomatic cardioautonomic neuropathy prevalence was not significantly different between women and men. When age was taken into account, the prevalence of cardioautonomic neuropathy was similar among young men and those > 50 years. However, in women > 50 years, the prevalence of cardioautonomic neuropathy doubled that of young women [45.8% (32.6; 59.7) vs. 20.4% (13.7; 29.2), respectively]. The OR of having cardioautonomic neuropathy was 3.3 higher in women > 50 years than in their younger counterparts. Furthermore, women presented more severe cardioautonomic neuropathy than men. These differences were even more marked when women were classified according their menopausal status instead of age. Peri- and menopausal women had an OR 3.5 (1.7; 7.2) of having CAN compared with their reproductive-aged counterparts [CAN prevalence: 51% (37; 65) vs. 23% (16; 32), respectively]. A binary logistic regression model (R2: 0.161; P = 0.001) displayed age > 50 years as a significant determinant of cardioautonomic neuropathy only in women. Androgens were positively associated with heart rate variability in men, and negatively in women. Accordingly, cardioautonomic neuropathy was associated with increased testosterone/estradiol ratio in women but to decreased testosterone concentrations in men.ConclusionsMenopause in women with type 1 diabetes is accompanied by an increase in the prevalence of asymptomatic cardioautonomic neuropathy. This age-related excess risk of cardioautonomic neuropathy is not observed in men. Men and women with type 1 diabetes have opposite associations between circulating androgens and indexes of cardioautonomic function.Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04950634.

Heart rate variability in men with lower urinary tract symptoms: a case-control study.

Measurement of heart rate variability (HRV) allows evaluation of autonomic nervous system activity. Decreased HRV is associated with autonomic disbalance, poor health and higher mortality. Our objective is to evaluate the HRV in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) through a case-control study. LUTS were considered as the outcome and HRV variables were considered as exposure. The protocol included anamnesis, LUTS assessment, anthropometry, blood pressure and HRV measurement by analyzing the variation in the time interval between consecutive heartbeats or RR intervals. The mathematical study of HRV indicators allowed the assessment of the cardiac autonomic modulation of the volunteers. Eighty nine patients were included in the study, with 34 allocated to the case group (with LUTS) and 55 to the control group (without LUTS). The patients were similar in terms of age and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Among the HRV variables, the mean VLF index for the very low frequency of the spectrum associated with the frequency domain was significantly higher in volunteers without LUTS. Control group patients presented a mean of 113.18 ± 166.74 ms2, while patients with LUTS presented a mean of 69.21 ± 61.98 ms2 (p = 0.032). Men 50-59years of age without chronic diseases and with LUTS have an unfavorable cardiac autonomic profile indicated by significantly lower levels of the VLF component of HRV compared to men without LUTS.

Sex differences in the autonomic and cerebrovascular responses to upright tilt.

Sex differences in the regulation of autonomic and cerebrovascular responses to orthostatic stress remain unclear. The objectives of this study were to concurrently investigate autonomic control and cerebrovascular resistance indices, including critical closing pressure (CrCP) and resistance area product (RAP), during upright tilt in men and women. In 13 women and 14 men (18-29years), ECG, non-invasive blood pressure, middle cerebral artery blood velocity, and end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) were continuously measured during supine rest and 70° tilt. Heart rate variability (HRV), cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity (cBRS), and transfer function parameters of dynamic cerebral autoregulation were calculated. Compared to supine, upright tilt increased the low frequency-to-high frequency ratio of HRV in men only (P=0.044), and decreased cBRS more in women (P=0.001). Cerebrovascular resistance index (CVRi) increased during tilt only in men (sex-by-time interaction: P=0.004). RAP was lower in women throughout tilt (main effect of sex: P=0.022). CrCP decreased during tilt in both sexes (main effect of time: P<0.001). Normalizing to ETCO2 did not alter the effect of tilt on cerebrovascular resistance. Men displayed a greater increase of sympathetic indices and CVRi during tilt while women had greater parasympathetic withdrawal. We hypothesize that increased sympathetic activity in men may drive sex differences in the cerebrovascular response to upright posture.

Short-term aerobic training improves heart rate variability in men living with HIV: a pre-post pilot study

Background Heart rate variability (HRV) a feasible predictor of prognosis in cardiovascular outcomes shown to be reduced in people living with HIV (PLWH). Objective This study sought to understand the effects of short-term aerobic training (AT) on the resting HRV and endothelial function in this population. Methods PLWH performed 24 sessions of AT protocol. The protocol consists of 40 min of treadmill (60 to 80% of the VO2max), 3 times per week, for 8 weeks. HRV (standard deviation of all normal RR intervals - SDNN; root mean square of the successive differences - rMSSD; low frequency - LF; high frequency - HF; LF:HF ratio) and endothelial function parameters were evaluated by EndoPAT system pre and post intervention. Results 7 men, the median age of the sample was 49 years (range, 38–68 years), completed the protocol. AT improved resting HRV parameters: SDNN (p = 0.02, power analysis (PA) 0.54), rMSSD (p = 0.02, PA = 0.99), LF (p = 0.02, PA = 0.85). HF, LF:HF ratio and endothelial function parameters showed no changes. Conclusions The results suggest the short-term AT may improve HRV in men living with HIV.

Intranasal oxytocin increases heart-rate variability in men at clinical high risk for psychosis: a proof-of-concept study

Autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction (i.e., increased sympathetic and/or decreased parasympathetic activity) has been proposed to contribute to psychosis vulnerability. Yet, we still lack directed therapeutic strategies that improve ANS regulation in psychosis or at-risk states. The oxytocin system constitutes a potential therapeutic target, given its role in ANS regulation. However, whether intranasal oxytocin ameliorates autonomic regulation during emerging psychosis is currently unknown. We pooled together two datasets, one of 30 men at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR-P), and another of 17 healthy men, who had participated in two double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomised, crossover MRI studies with similar protocols. All participants self-administered 40 IU of intranasal oxytocin or placebo using a nasal spray. We recorded pulse plethysmography during a period of 8 min at about 1 h post dosing and estimated heart rate (HR) and high-frequency HR variability (HF-HRV), an index of cardio-parasympathetic activity. CHR-P and healthy men did not differ at resting HR or HF-HRV under placebo. We found a significant condition × treatment effect for HF-HRV, showing that intranasal oxytocin, compared with placebo, increased HF-HRV in CHR-P but not in healthy men. The main effects of treatment and condition were not significant. In this proof-of-concept study, we show that intranasal oxytocin increases cardio-parasympathetic activity in CHR-P men, highlighting its therapeutic potential to improve autonomic regulation in this clinical group. Our findings support the need for further research on the preventive and therapeutic potential of intranasal oxytocin during emerging psychosis, where we lack effective treatments.

Correlation between Measures of Anxiety and Heart Rate Variability in Men and Women with Affective Disorders

Patients with affective disorders, apart from anxiety, tension, and apathy, often experience powerful palpitations and other signs of autonomic vascular dystonia. In seeking a link between the level of anxiety and cardiogram measures, we analyzed levels of trait and state anxiety on the Spielberger scale and measures of variational cardiometry (VCM) in 135 patients with depressive and anxiety disorders and 50 healthy subjects. After treatment, anxiety levels in patients decreased, though the only VCM parameter showing a significant reduction was the stress index. Sex-related differences were seen in both groups: trait anxiety was at a higher level in women than man and the index of sympathetic/parasympathetic interaction, LF/HF ratio o slow waves to fast waves), was lower in women than men. We found the first evidence for significant correlations in VCM measures and the level of anxiety during treatment: decreases in trait anxiety and LF were greater in patients with initially higher levels of trait anxiety; patients with low HF initially had decreased state anxiety.

Role of Type and Volume of Recreational Physical Activity on Heart Rate Variability in Men.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of recreational aerobic physical activity (PA) type and volume on heart rate variability (HRV) in Arab men. This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study, and included men (n = 75, age = 37.6 ± 7.1 years, body mass index (BMI) = 26.7 ± 3.1 kg/m2) who were members of a walking group, cycling group, or were inactive controls. Monthly distances from the past three months were obtained from walking and cycling groups, and the volume of PA was classified into three subgroups (high, moderate, low). HRV was measured using a computerized electrocardiographic data acquisition device. R–R interval recordings were performed while participants rested in a motionless supine position. RR intervals were recorded for 15 minutes, and a five-minute segment with minimal ectopic beats and artifacts was selected for HRV analysis. Time-domain parameters included the mean R–R interval, standard deviation of the mean R–R interval (SDNN), and root-mean-squared difference of successive RR intervals (RMSSD). The frequency-domain parameters included high-frequency power (HF), low-frequency power (LF), and LF to HF ratio (LF/HF). Results showed that there were no significant differences between walking, cycling, and control groups for all HRV parameters. Time-domain analyses based on PA volume showed that age-adjusted SDNN for the high-active group was greater than the low-active group (P = 0.03), and RMSSD for the moderate-active group was greater than the control group (P = 0.009). For the frequency domain, LF for the high-active group was greater than the low-active and control groups (P = 0.006), and HF for the moderate-active group was greater than the low-active group (P = 0.04). These data indicate that walking >150 km per month, or cycling >100 km per month at a speed >20 km/h may be necessary to derive cardiac autonomic benefits from PA among Arab men.

High trait emotional intelligence in men: Beneficial for perceived stress levels but disadvantageous for the physiological response to acute stressors?

This study examined the relationship between trait emotional intelligence (EI) and stress in 110 male employees. Particularly, the association between trait EI and perceived chronic stress, occupational stress, and the physiological stress response was examined. Trait EI, perceived chronic stress, and occupational stress levels were assessed via questionnaires. The physiological stress response was measured by means of salivary free cortisol and heart rate variability (HRV) in response to the Trier Social Stress Test for Groups. Consistent with previous findings, men with high trait EI showed significantly lower perceived chronic and occupational stress levels than men with low trait EI. However, men with high trait EI also showed significantly higher cortisol reactivity than their low trait EI counterparts. Similarly, HRV in men with high trait EI appeared to be lower than in men with low trait EI but HRV differences between groups were not significant. Our findings suggest that trait EI might play a critical role in the stress regulation process but due to the cross‐sectional design of the study no causal conclusions can be drawn. Experimental studies need to explore further whether and how trait EI affects psychological and physiological stress responses.

The effect of fluid overload by saline infusion on heart rate variability in men during sleep.

Fluid shift from the legs and into the neck during sleep has been shown to increase tissue pressure around the upper airway and increase sleep apnea severity. Recently, acute fluid overload via saline infusion during sleep was shown to increase sleep apnea severity in an older men (≥ 40 years of age) but not the younger men (<;40 years of age). The purpose of this study was to estimate the changes in the autonomic nervous system response to saline infusion in the younger and older men using well studied time- and frequency domain heart rate variability metrics (HRV). Eighteen healthy men (10 in the younger group and 8 in the older group) slept for up to 3 hours during the day while ≈ 2L of saline was intravenously injected during sleep. An electrocardiogram was collected continuously during the sleep period. Two five minute segments of stage 1 or 2 sleep were selected for analysis of HRV: one before saline infusion and one after completion of saline infusion. Time- and frequency domain metrics of HRV were used to characterize autonomic nervous system response. Results generally showed increased HRV as measured by time-domain statistical measures in the younger men after saline infusion. In the frequency domain, the change in high frequency power from pre- to post-saline infusion was significantly greater in the younger compared to the older men. In addition, there was a borderline significant trend showing an increase in HF power from pre- to post-saline infusion in the younger, but not the older men. These results suggest that only in the younger men and not the older men, parasympathetic nervous activity increased in response to acute fluid overload. This might be one of the mechanisms that increased the severity of OSA in older and not the younger men.

The effects of different noise types on heart rate variability in men.

PurposeTo determine the impact of noise on heart rate variability (HRV) in men, with a focus on the noise type rather than on noise intensity.Materials and MethodsForty college-going male volunteers were enrolled in this study and were randomly divided into four groups according to the type of noise they were exposed to: background, traffic, speech, or mixed (traffic and speech) noise. All groups except the background group (35 dB) were exposed to 45 dB sound pressure levels. We collected data on age, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and disease status from responses to self-reported questionnaires and medical examinations. We also measured HRV parameters and blood pressure levels before and after exposure to noise. The HRV parameters were evaluated while patients remained seated for 5 minutes, and frequency and time domain analyses were then performed.ResultsAfter noise exposure, only the speech noise group showed a reduced low frequency (LF) value, reflecting the activity of both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The low-to-high frequency (LF/HF) ratio, which reflected the activity of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), became more stable, decreasing from 5.21 to 1.37; however, this change was not statistically significant.ConclusionThese results indicate that 45 dB(A) of noise, 10 dB(A) higher than background noise, affects the ANS. Additionally, the impact on HRV activity might differ according to the noise quality. Further studies will be required to ascertain the role of noise type.

Musical auditory stimulation at different intensities and its effects on the geometric indices of heart-rate variability

Introduction Previous studies have shown that relaxation music increases the heart's parasympathetic modulation as well as reducing its sympathetic activity. However, what is lacking in the literature is information on the acute effects of different intensities of music on cardiac autonomic regulation. We aimed to evaluate the acute effects of baroque and heavy-metal music on cardiac autonomic regulation at different intensities. Method The study was performed in 16 healthy men aged between 18 and 25 years. The main outcomes were the geometric indices of heart-rate variability (HRV) [i.e. triangular index (RRtri); triangular interpolation of RR intervals (TINN) and Poincare plot: SD1, SD2 and SD1/SD2 ratio]. First, HRV was recorded at rest for 10 min. The volunteers were then exposed to baroque or heavy-metal music for 5 min through an earphone; subjects were exposed to each song at three different sound levels (60–70, 70–80 and 80–90 decibels). After the first song, subjects remained at rest for 5 min before being exposed to the next song. The sequence of songs and sound intensity were randomised for each individual. Results Musical auditory stimulation with baroque music did not influence the geometric indices of HRV. The same was observed with heavy-metal musical auditory stimulation at the three sound-level ranges. Conclusion Musical auditory stimulation at different sound intensities did not influence the geometric indices of HRV in men.

Influence of type 2 diabetes on symbolic analysis and complexity of heart rate variability in men

BackgroundIndividuals with diabetes may develop cardiac autonomic dysfunction that may be evaluated by heart rate variability (HRV). The aim was evaluated heart rate variability (HRV) of individuals with type 2 diabetes, without cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN), in response to active postural maneuver by means of nonlinear analysis (symbolic analysis, Shannon and conditional entropy) and correlate HRV parameters between them, glycated hemoglobin and diabetes duration.MethodsNineteen men with type 2 diabetes without CAN (T2D) and nineteen healthy men (CG), age-range from 40 to 60 years were studied. We assessed HRV in supine and orthostatic position using symbolic analysis (0V%, 1V%, 2LV% and 2UV%), Shannon and conditional entropy (SE and NCI).ResultsIn supine position T2D presented higher sympathetic modulation (0V%) than CG. However, there was not any difference between groups for indexes of complexity (SE and NCI). Furthermore, T2D presented a preserved response of cardiac autonomic modulation after active postural maneuver.ConclusionsThe present study showed that individuals with type 2 diabetes without CAN presented higher cardiac sympathetic modulation. However, the complexity of HRV was not influenced by imbalance of the autonomic modulation in individuals with type 2 diabetes. In addition, the response of autonomic nervous system in the heart remains preserved after active postural maneuver in individuals with type 2 diabetes, possibly due to the lack of CAN in this group.

Auditory stimulation with music influences the geometric indices of heart rate variability in men.

BackgroundChronic classical music was reported to increase parasympathetic activitywhen evaluating heart rate variability (HRV). It is poor in the literature investigation of the acute effects of baroque and heavy metal styles of musical auditory stimulation on HRV. In this study we evaluated the acute effects of relaxant baroque and excitatory heavy metal music on the geometric indices of HRV in healthy men.MethodThe study was performed in 12 healthy men between 18 and 30 years old. We excluded persons with previous experience with music instrument and those who had affinity with the song styles. We analyzed the following indices: RRtri, TINN and Poincaré plot (SD1, SD2 and SD1/SD2 ratio). HRV was recorded at rest for ten minutes. Subsequently they were exposed to relaxant baroque or excitatory heavy metal music for five minutes through an earphone. After the first music exposure they remained at rest for more five minutes and them they were exposed again to Baroque or Heavy Metal music (65–80 dB). The sequence of songs was randomized for each individual.ResultsThe RRTri and SD2 indices were reduced during the heavy metal musical auditory stimulation (p < 0.05). No changes were observed regarding TINN, SD1 and SD1/SD2 ratio (p > 0.05).The qualitative Poincaré plot analysis indicated that during relaxant classical baroque music there was observed a higher beat-to-beat dispersion of RR intervals compared with no music exposure and during excitatory heavy metal musical auditory stimulation, showing higher HRV.ConclusionWe suggest that excitatory heavy metal music acutely decreases global HRV.

Effect of short‑term testosterone replacement therapy on heart rate variability in men with hypoandrogen‑metabolic syndrome

Testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) is characterized by clinical signs of testosterone deficiency in men with reduced testosterone levels. It leads to endothelial dysfunction, which, apart from erectile dysfunction, accelerates atherosclerosis progression. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of testosterone supplementation in men with metabolic syndrome (MS) and TDS on autonomic balance assessed by heart rate variability (HRV) in 24‑hour Holter monitoring. The study included 80 men divided into 3 groups: with MS and TDS (MS+TDS+, n = 30), with MS and without TDS (MS+TDS-, n = 25), and healthy controls (n = 25). The MS+TDS+ group received intramuscular testosterone therapy (Omnadren 250) for 9 weeks. Holter monitoring was performed in all patients at baseline and at the end of the therapy. Almost all HRV parameters were significantly lower in the MS+TDS+ group compared with controls. Moreover, total power (TP) as well as high- and low‑frequency domains (HF and LF, respectively) were significantly lower in the MS+TDS+ group compared with the MS+TDS- group. There were significant differences in the standard deviation (SD) of normal-to-normal (NN) intervals (SDNN), SDNN index (SDNNI), and SDANN (SD of the averages of NN intervals in all 5‑minute segments) as well as in ultra‑low‑frequency (ULF) domain between the MS+TDS- group and controls. Testosterone supplementation resulted in a statistically significant increase in SDNN, SDANN, TP, LF, ULF, and very‑low‑frequency domain. However, the values did not reach those observed in the control group. The levels of total and free testosterone were not significantly affected by the treatment. A 9‑week testosterone supplementation therapy improves HRV parameters. Although these parameters did not reach the values observed in healthy men, the therapy may reduce cardiovascular risk in men with MS and TDS.

Heart Rate Variability in Men with Erectile dysfunction

PurposeThe objective of this study is to investigate alteration of autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity in patients suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED) by comparing parameters of heart rate variability (HRV) between men with ED and healthy subjects.MethodsA retrospective review was performed on 40 ED patients (mean age, 46.0±8.49 years) without any disease and 180 healthy control people (mean age, 44.4±7.83 years) without ED in our institution from June 2008 to July 2010. And electrocardiographic signals were obtained to measure HRV parameters for both patients and controls in a resting state.ResultsFor the time domain analysis, square root of the mean differences between successive RR intervals (RMSSD) representing parasympathetic activity was lower in patients than controls although P-value was not statistically significant (P=0.060). For the frequency domain analysis, high frequency (HF) representing parasympathetic activity was lower in patients than controls (P=0.232) and low frequency (LF) representing mainly sympathetic activity was higher in patients than controls (P=0.416). Lastly, LF/HF ratio reflecting sympathetic/parasympathetic activity ratio was statistically higher in patients than controls (P=0.027).ConclusionsPatients with ED exhibited different HRV parameters compared with normal controls. This suggests that the patients with ED may have some kind of imbalance in the ANS and it may be possible that general imbalance of the ANS is one of the causes of ED. Thus, HRV analysis may give valuable diagnostic information and serve as a rapid screening tool to evaluate altered ANS activity in patients with ED.

Characteristics of Autonomic Nervous System Activity in Men With Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS): Analysis of Heart Rate Variability in Men With LUTS

To identify the difference in autonomic nervous dysfunction activity in men between voiding symptom-predominant lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and storage symptom-predominant LUTS. A total of 39 men with LUTS (mean age 56.9 +/- 8.96 years) and 23 healthy men (mean age 57.0 +/- 1.76 years) were included in the present study. Seven questions numbered Q1 to Q7 in the order of appearance in International Prostate Symptom Score were divided into 2 clusters: one with Q1, Q3, Q5, and Q6 and the other with Q2, Q4, and Q7, representing voiding and storage symptoms, respectively. Patients were divided into either voiding symptom-predominant group, if mean voiding symptom score, defined as (Q1 + Q3 + Q5 + Q6)/4, is bigger than mean storage symptom score, defined as (Q2 +Q4 + Q7)/3, or storage symptom-predominant group otherwise. We measured and compared parameters of heart rate variability between men with LUTS and healthy normal subjects. We also compared heart rate variability of men between storage symptom-predominant LUTS and voiding symptom-predominant LUTS. On frequency domain analysis, there was evidence of decreased high frequency (HF) in patients with LUTS (P <.05). In comparison of autonomic nervous dysfunction activity in LUTS patients, men with voiding symptom-predominant LUTS had relatively increased ratio of low frequency and HF than what was observed in men with storage symptom-predominant LUTS. Patients with LUTS exhibited decreased HF indicated that they may have had some disease or imbalance in the autonomic nervous system, which may distinguish LUTS patients from healthy men. Also, patients with voiding symptom-predominant LUTS had relatively increased sympathetic activity than storage symptom-predominant LUTS patients.

Relationship between Autonomic Nervous System Activity and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: An Analysis of Heart Rate Variability in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

Objectives: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common, but their etiology and mechanism remain unclear. We believe that changes in autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity may be contributory because the lower urinary tract is regulated through the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a tool by which autonomic nervous function can be measured; therefore, we measured and compared parameters of heart rate variability between men with LUTS and asymptomatic subjects.Methods: We studied 35 men with LUTS (mean age 50.5 ± 14.9 years) and 110 asymptomatic male volunteers who had requested a health check up (mean age 49.5 ± 5.19 years) from July 2006 to June 2008. HRV is known to be a useful tool for evaluating ANS activity, and we measured and compared HRV in the resting state.Results: The standard deviation of the N‐N interval (SDNN) and total power (TP) for patients with LUTS revealed no significant differences from those in the control group. On frequency domain analysis, there was evidence of decreased high frequency (HF) in patients with LUTS (P &lt; 0.05), but there were no significant differences in other parameters, such as heart rate, square root of the mean squared differences of successive N‐N intervals (RMSSD), very low frequency (VLF), low frequency (LF), or LF/HF ratio.Conclusion: Patients with LUTS exhibited different HRV parameters compared with asymptomatic controls. Their decreased HF indicated that they may have had an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system.