Heart Rate Variability In Patients Research Articles

A PATIENT WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS AND HYPERTENSION IN GENERAL MEDICAL PRACTICE

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common diseases in Ukraine and worldwide, often leading to early disability in people of working age, making it both a medical and social concern. According to the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, and Musculoskeletal Diseases, as well as the International Society for the Study of Osteoarthritis, it is known that a middle-aged patient with osteoarthritis typically has four accompanying pathologies. In elderly patients, in addition to osteoarthritis, up to eight other chronic conditions are often diagnosed. Comorbidity is frequently observed in middle-aged patients with osteoarthritis. Understanding the pathogenetic links between osteoarthritis and comorbid conditions plays an important role in the timely diagnosis and treatment of these diseases, helping to maintain a high quality of life for patients. Objevtive: the study of the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and arterial hypertension, along with the proposed therapy for treating comorbidities in patients with both osteoarthritis and arterial hypertension, aims to enhance the treatment outcomes. Materials and methods. Analytical and bibliosemantic methods were used in this study. During the scientific search, 38 modern literature sources were reviewed and analyzed concerning the pathogenetic impact on the development of osteoarthritis and arterial hypertension, as well as their shared mechanisms in the development and progression of both conditions. The study was carried out at the Department of Family Medicine and Therapy of the Regional Rheumatology Center, M. V. Sklifosovsky Poltava Regional Hospital. A total of 50 people were examined; the main group consisted of 35 individuals with stage II hypertension, grade 2, combined with stage II knee osteoarthritis (according to the Kellgren-Lawrence scale), with joint dysfunction of stages 1-2. These patients were aged 40-65 years (mean age 51.8±2.14 years). The duration of hypertension was 10.07±1.24 years, and the duration of manifested osteoarthritis was 8.56±1.03 years. The comparison group consisted of 20 individuals with stage II, grade 2 hypertension (mean age 52.5±2.38 years), with a mean hypertension duration of 11.31±1.17 years. The clinical diagnosis of osteoarthritis was established according to the recommendations of the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (2018). The diagnoses of comorbid conditions were confirmed in accordance with relevant orders from the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, with verification by specialized experts. Patients with osteoarthritis received standard treatment, and, when necessary, additional treatment for comorbid conditions was prescribed (a hypotensive combination of an ACE inhibitor and long-acting calcium. Results: The presence of osteoarthritis exerts an additional negative impact on heart rate variability in patients with hypertension. The reduction of the Low Frequency/High Frequency (LF/HF) index due to the use of this therapy (a combination of an ACE inhibitor and a long-acting calcium antagonist in doses of 4/5 mg, 4/10 mg, 8/5 mg, 8/10 mg) in the treatment of patients with comorbidity of hypertension and osteoarthritis contributes to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, reduction of patient mortality, balancing of the nervous system by inhibiting sympathetic nervous tone, and lowering high blood pressure. Conclusions: The proposed combination therapy for patients with osteoarthritis and hypertension contributes to prolong remission of both the primary disease and comorbid conditions, reduces the frequency of hospitalizations, and shortens inpatient treatment by 3-4 days.

Effect of a yoga and naturopathy-based lifestyle intervention with nine-month follow-up on heart rate variability in patients with hypertension: A randomized controlled trial

PurposeHypertension is associated with autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysregulation. Heart rate variability (HRV) monitoring is frequently used as a gauge of the ANS balance. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of yoga and naturopathy on the autonomic variables in patients with hypertension. Methods262 hypertensive patients were randomly allocated to the study group (SG) or control group (CG) in a randomized controlled trial. For ten days, the SG (n = 131) group got received naturopathic treatments and yoga, whereas the CG (n = 131) group did not. HRV which was examined at the beginning and end of the 10-day intervention period and again after 9 months, served as the study's main endpoint. ResultThere was a significant change in the frequency domain of heart rate variability with a significant increase in High frequency (HF) and a significant decrease in low frequency (LF) and LF/HF (all p < 0.05) were observed after follow-up in both SG and CG, but the magnitude of change was more in SG with a significant difference in LF/HF between group. ConclusionResults of this study suggest that 10 days of integrated yoga and naturopathy intervention produces a shift of vagal activity towards parasympathetic activity. Clinical trial registration numberCTRI/2019/01/016883.

Effects of six antipsychotic drug treatment regimens on short-term heart rate variability in patients with schizophrenia.

Many antipsychotic drugs have cardiac side effects due to their pharmacological actions. Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis can be used as a potential indicator of cardiotoxicity in cases where a decrease in HRV occurs after the administration of antipsychotics such as clozapine. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of 6 antipsychotic drug regimens on short-term HRV in patients with schizophrenia. Data from 164 patients with schizophrenia between January 2018 and June 2023 were retrospectively analysed. Based on the drug used for treatment, the patients were categorised into clozapine combination (clozapine combined with aripiprazole, risperidone or ziprasidone), clozapine alone, olanzapine, aripiprazole, ziprasidone or risperidone groups. Heart rate variability indices were calculated using time domain analysis, including the standard deviation of the RR intervals (SDNN), the root mean square of successive RR interval differences (RMSSD) and the percentage of successive RR intervals over 50ms (PNN50). Compared with the pretreatment period, the SDNN, RMSSD and PNN50 were significantly lower in the clozapine combination, clozapine, olanzapine and aripiprazole groups at the end of weeks 2 and 4 of treatment (P < 0.05). However, these indicators in ziprasidone and risperidone groups did not show this significant decrease (P > 0.05). The effects of clozapine combination and clozapine on HRV were greater than for olanzapine, aripiprazole, ziprasidone or risperidone. Attention should be paid to controlling the dosage of clozapine combination and clozapine and monitoring the patient's electrocardiogram during administration.

Acute right-sided transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation improves cardio-vagal baroreflex gain in patients with chronic heart failure.

The aim of this paper is to investigate the acute effects of short-term transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) on cardio-vagal baroreflex gain and heart rate variability in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). A total of 16 adults with CHF and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50% in sinus rhythm were enrolled (65 ± 8years, 63% men, LVEF 40 ± 5%, 88% on beta-blockers, 50% on quadruple CHF therapy). Over a single experimental session, after a 10-min baseline recording, each patient underwent two trials of 10-min tVNS (Parasym Device, 200µs, 30Hz, 1mA below discomfort threshold) at either the right or left tragus in a randomized order, separated by a 10-min recovery. Compared with baseline, tVNS did not affect heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate (p > 0.05), and no patients complained of discomfort or any adverse effect. Right-sided tVNS was associated with a significant increase in cardio-vagal baroreflex gain (from 5.6 ± 3.1 to 7.5 ± 3.8ms/mmHg, ∆ 1.9 ± 1.6ms/mmHg, p < 0.001), while no change was observed with left-sided tVNS (∆ 0.5 ± 2.0ms/mmHg, p = 0.914). These findings were independent of stimulation-side order (excluding any carry-over effect) and consistent across sex, LVEF category, and HF etiology subgroups (p-value for interaction > 0.05). Acute right-sided tVNS increases cardio-vagal baroreflex gain in patients with CHF and LVEF < 50%, with no tolerability concerns.

A Study on the Correlation between Xerostomia, Yin Deficiency, and Heart Rate Variability in Halitosis Patients

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze the correlation between the level of xerostomia and Yin deficiency as well as heart rate variability in patients with halitosis.Methods: A survey was conducted on 30 patients who visited the Department of Internal Medicine at Dongsin University Oriental Hospital from March 2021 to February 2022. A questionnaire regarding halitosis and xerostomia was administered using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, and Yin deficiency was assessed using 10 specific items. Oral moisture was measured using the Oral Moisture Checking Device (Mucus) under unstimulated conditions, while heart rate variability was measured with the SA-6000 equipment.Results: A significant positive correlation was found between VAS scores for halitosis and xerostomia and Yin deficiency. However, there was no correlation between xerostomia and the Mucus scores. The low Mucus score group showed a significant negative correlation with LF values compared to the normal Mucus score group.Conclusion: Patients with halitosis who experience xerostomia are likely to be in a state of Yin deficiency.

Effectiveness of Auricular Acupressure on Improving Pain and Heart Rate Variability in Patients After Cervical Spine Surgery.

Cervical spine surgery is a common neurosurgical procedure; however, postoperative pain remains a problem. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of auricular acupressure, which is considered a noninvasive, convenient, and safe method for pain reduction and heart rate variability in patients after surgery. A total of 62 patients who underwent cervical spine surgery were randomly divided into experimental (32 patients) and control (30 patients) groups. Both groups received routine care, whereas the experimental group received auricular acupressure three times a day for four days. The Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire was administered, and heart rate variability measurements were obtained on the first, second, third, and fourth postoperative days. The results indicated that auricular acupressure was effective in reducing pain (P <.05) and improving heart rate variability (P <.05) in patients. Based on the findings, this study suggests that auricular acupressure can be used as a complementary treatment to reduce pain in patients after cervical spine surgery.

Predictors of the dynamics of changes in cognitive functions in patients 6 months after carotid endarterectomy

Background. Carotid atherosclerosis is one of the urgent problems due to the high risk of developing ischemic stroke and cognitive impairment. The dynamics of clinical disorders in patients with carotid stenosis is determined by a complex of neurophysiological, angiological, tissue and biomolecular reactions, the characteristics of which can act as predictors of the course of the pathology.The aim of the work. To determine the neurophysiological parameters and predictors of cognitive dysfunction in patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy.Materials and methods. The study included 59 people with carotid atherosclerotic disease. All included patients underwent carotid endarterectomy. We assessed the degree of stenosis of the internal carotid artery and cognitive status using the FAB (Frontal Assessment Battery) scale and MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) Test and recorded electroencephalogram (EEG), P300 cognitive evoked potentials and heart rate variability in patients at various terms (before surgery, 6 months after the surgery). Patients were divided into groups based on the dynamics of cognitive tests using cluster analysis (k-means) with identification of elements included in the clusters: patients of cluster 1 had a “preserved” profile of cognitive status; patients of cluster 2 – moderate cognitive dysfunction.Results. Patients of cluster 1 had a higher power of beta oscillations in the frontal lead, a higher amplitude of the P3 component of the P300 potential, and a greater variability of R-R intervals in terms of the total indicator and high-frequency power. We proposed a model that allows us to classify patients into groups according to the dynamics of cognitive function scores. According to the data obtained, the most significant predictors of the dynamics of cognitive status were the initial characteristics of the EEG and the P300 cognitive evoked potential.Conclusions. We determined the clinical and neurophysiological correlates of cognitive dysfunction: an association with greater preservation of activating effects on the EEG, processes of recognition and decision-making in the associative zones of the cortex, and less pronounced activity of stress-implementing mechanisms. Indicators of EEG spectral analysis and characteristics of the P300 cognitive evoked potential are predictors of the cognitive status dynamics.

Interrelation of plasma haemostasis and heart rate variability in patients with chronic coronary syndrome in combination with COVID-19

The aim of the study was to identify the relationship between activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, fibrinogen, D-dimer and indicators of N-N interval deviations, heart rate, on the one hand, and to identify the relationship between parasympathetic and sympathetic heart rate activity and dynamic blood viscosity, on the other hand. The COVID-19 pathogen affects the functioning of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, which also changes the heart rate. To study this process, a group of 10 patients with chronic coronary syndrome in combination with COVID-19 without comorbidities aged 35-48 years was observed in a hospital. To study this relationship, plasma haemostasis parameters (activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, fibrinogen, D-dimer) and heart rate variability were taken at the time of admission to the hospital and after discharge from the hospital. A direct correlation between the indicators was found: in patients 1 and 4, at the time of admission to the hospital, there was an increase in activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, D-dimer and a decrease in fibrinogen, which coincides with an increase in heart rate, 5-10 minute and long-term deviation of the N-N segments. That is, changes in blood plasma affect the rhythm of the heart already at the onset of COVID-19 in combination with chronic coronary syndrome. Patients 1 and 4 had an increase in D-dimer at the time of discharge from the hospital, which coincided with an increase in heart rate. Patients require further follow-up, as these are signs of a cautious prognosis. All other plasma haemostasis parameters are normal in all patients, with minor changes. It is necessary to monitor plasma haemostasis and heart rate variability to adjust treatment during hospitalization of patients with chronic coronary syndrome in combination with COVID-19 and after discharge from hospital

Predicting the dynamics of heart rate variability in patients with type 1 diabetes against improving glycemic control

The aim of the study: to analyze the effect of improvement of glycemic control on heart rate variability changes in patients with type 1 diabetes against the background of insulin therapy correction and to predict this dynamics based on the parameters of continuous glucose monitoring. We examined 49 patients with the level of glycosylated hemoglobin ≥7% and &lt;10% without late diabetic complications. The average age – 32.0 (21.5; 38.0) years, the average disease duration – 9.5 (5.0; 17.5) years. The study was based on the simultaneous registration of heart rate variability and continuous glucose monitoring before and 3 months after correction of insulin therapy. Logistic regression analysis and ROC-analysis were used to predict the changes. After 3 months, the patients had significant decrease in the level of glycosylated hemoglobin, glycose variability, and a decrease in the frequency of hypoglycemic episodes. Heart rate variability increased in 73.5% of persons. The presence of hypoglycemia, standard deviation of blood glucose levels and glomerular filtration rate after treatment turned out to be prognostic factors for the predicting improvement in heart rate variability (the proportion of correct prediction of the patient's actual belonging to one or another prognostic group was 76.39%). Based on the calculation of the theoretical values of the positive result probability using the logistic equation, a detailed scale for predicting changes in heart rhythm variability for type 1 diabetes patients was proposed: up to 0.07 – a low probability of a positive result; 0.07-0.29 – the probability of a positive result is below average; 0.29-0.51 – a moderate probability of a positive result; 0.51-0.90 – high probability of a positive result; more than 0.90 – a very high probability of a positive result. We found that improvement of glycemic control leads to an increase in both frequency and time characteristics of heart rate variability. The increase in the likelihood of improvement of heart rate variability in patients with type 1 diabetes was more likely to be associated with reduced glycose variability and fewer hypoglycemic episodes. We developed a predictive mathematical model of heart rate variability based on the continuous glucose monitoring parameters for type 1 diabetes with sensitivity of 88.0% and specificity 68.18%, AUC 0.739 (p=0.001).

The clinical effectiveness of sivelestat in treating sepsis patients with both acute respiratory distress syndrome and septic cardiomyopathy

BackgroundWe aimed to assess the efficacy of the neutrophil elastase inhibitor, sivelestat, in the treatment of sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and septic cardiomyopathy (SCM).MethodsBetween January 2019 and December 2021, we conducted a randomized trial on patients who had been diagnosed with sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and septic cardiomyopathy (SCM) at Wuhan Union Hospital. The patients were divided into two groups by random envelop method, the Sivelestat group and the Control group. We measured the serum concentrations of Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) at five time points, which were the baseline, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after admission to the ICU. We evaluated the cardiac function by sonography and the heart rate variability (HRV) with 24-hour Holter recording between the time of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and 72 h after Sivelestat treatment.ResultsFrom January 2019 to December 2021, a total of 70 patients were included in this study. The levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α were significantly lower in the Sivelestat group at different time points (12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h). HMGB1 levels were significantly lower at 72 h after Sivelestat treatment (19.46 ± 2.63pg/mL vs. 21.20 ± 2.03pg/mL, P = 0.003). The stroke volume (SV), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), early to late diastolic transmitral flow velocity (E/A), early (e’) and late (a’) diastoles were significantly low in the Control group compared with the Sivelestat group. Tei index was high in the Control group compared with the Sivelestat group (0.60 ± 0.08 vs. 0.56 ± 0.07, P = 0.029). The result of HRV showed significant differences in standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN), low frequency (LF), and LF/HF (high frequency) between the two groups.ConclusionsSivelestat can significantly reduce the levels of serum inflammatory factors, improve cardiac function, and reduce heart rate variability in patients with Sepsis-induced ARDS and SCM.

Мікроциркуляція та варіабельність серцевого ритму при хронічній ішемічній хворобі серця і COVID-19

COVID-19 is associated with a wide range of negative effects on the cardiovascular system. The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the interdependence of changes in the microcirculation system and heart rate variability in patients with chronic coronary artery disease (CAD). An ECG study was performed in 12-lead leads, as well as 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring and laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF). Patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 included patients with coronary artery disease (n = 32), group 2 - with coronary artery disease in combination with COVID-19 (n = 35), and group 3 - with COVID-19 (n = 35). The control group consisted of 30 conditionally healthy individuals. All subjects were determined: microcirculation index, capillary blood flow reserve of the occlusion test, as well as nitroglycerin test and wavelet transform indicators (the relationship between the frequency and amplitude of microcirculatory oscillations, which are divided into endothelial, neurogenic, myogenic, respiratory and cardiac mechanisms of microcirculation regulation). The deterioration of endothelial function, as measured by the maximum amplitude of endothelial flux motions, should be noted, and a decrease in the endotheliumdependent and endothelium-independent components of microcirculation regulation. The capillary blood flow reserve of the occlusion test in patients with CAD in combination with COVID-19 was lower than in patients with CAD (group 1) and COVID-19 (group 3). In patients of the study groups, the total heart rate variability decreased, parasympathetic activity was weakened, and the QT interval duration and its variability increased compared with controls. These changes were most pronounced in patients with coronary artery disease in combination with COVID-19 in terms of the standard deviation of all intervals, the parasympathetic component of regulation, and both characteristics of the QT interval. Thus, patients with chronic CAD and concomitant COVID-19, along with endothelial dysfunction and worsening venous outflow, showed signs of autonomic dysregulation and increased QT interval duration and variability. Additional consideration of the characteristics of the microcirculatory bed, heart rate variability and QT interval is advisable in the examination system of such patients.

Feasibility and determinants of short-term heart rate variability in patients using photoplethysmography-based wearable devices - data derived from TeleCheck-AF

Abstract Background Heart rate variability (HRV), especially short-term HRV, is known to be associated with development of atrial fibrillation (AF). Nevertheless, it is not known if short-term HRV can be feasibly derived from digital devices in patients at risk for AF. In this analysis, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility and determinants of short-term HRV using non-continuous photoplethysmography (PPG) recordings derived from digital hand-held device. Methods TeleCheck-AF is a project implementing an on-demand app-based infrastructure for the management of AF. Briefly, one week prior to the scheduled teleconsultation, patients were provided with a smartphone app to assess heart rate/rhythm three times a day and in case of symptoms. Patients from the project with at least one PPG recording in sinus rhythm (SR) during the study period were analyzed. For every recording in SR, the short-term HRV parameter, root mean square of successive normal-to-normal interval differences (RMSSD), was calculated. The PPG parameters, heart rate and RMSSD, were compared between groups (men vs women, presence vs absence of previous AF, atrial flutter, atrial tachycardia, pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) within 12 months). Results Overall, 855 patients [60.5% men, median age 63 (56;70) years] with a total number of 13465 recordings were included in the analysis. Median number of recordings per patient was 15 (7;20) with a median heart rate of 66 (59;75)bpm and a RMSSD of 39.7 (30.6 ;56.1)ms. Results revealed a significant difference in RMSSD for gender and previously known AF, whereas no difference was seen e.g., for patients with known atrial flutter or atrial tachycardia (table 1). In patients with previously known AF, patients who underwent PVI within the last 12 months had a reduced RMSSD in comparison to patients without previous PVI (36.7 (31.8; 47.0)ms vs 42.2 (34.4; 54.3)ms, p&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusion Assessing short-term HRV based on RMSSD using PPG recordings is feasible. Short-term HRV recorded by digital hand-held devices may be especially helpful in patients after PVI as such patients were shown to have a reduced HRV in this analysis. Table 1: Differences in short-term heart rate variability in patients at risk for atrial fibrillation. AF = Atrial fibrillation.Table 1

Spectral analysis of heart rate variability in patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation

Spectral analysis of heart rate variability gives an idea of the role of the autonomic nervous system in the regulation of chronotropic heart function and can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of drug therapy. The selection of drug therapy taking into account the individual clinical form of atrial fibrillation, as well as the vegetative status of the patient, will undoubtedly increase the effectiveness of treatment. In this study, spectral parameters were studied in patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation and the effect of the antiarrhythmic drug class III miodarone on these parameters.

208. Heart Rate Variability in Patients With Treatment-Resistant Depression During Ketamine Infusion

208. Heart Rate Variability in Patients With Treatment-Resistant Depression During Ketamine Infusion

Effect of needling at an acupuncture point zusanli (ST-36) on blood pressure and heart rate variability in patients with hypertension: A randomized placebo-controlled study

BackgroundAcupuncture is a traditional healing system used to prevent and treat hypertension in many countries. Acupuncture point “Zusanli (ST-36)” is used to nourish blood and yin. However, no known studies reported the effect of needling at only ST-36 on cardiovascular parameters. ObjectivesThis study was performed to find the effectiveness of ST-36 on blood pressure (BP) and heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with hypertension. MethodsA total of 100 participants with primary hypertension aged between 30 years and70 years were randomly assigned into either acupuncture group (AG) or control group (CG). AG underwent only one session of bilateral needling at ST-36 acupuncture point for duration of 20 minutes, while the CG underwent only one session of bilateral needling at non-acupuncture point for the same duration. ResultsResults of the study showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure and mean arterial pressure in the AG compared to the CG. In addition, a significant increase in intervals between adjacent QRS complexes (R-R interval), and a significant reduction in heart rate were observed in AG, unlike CG. ConclusionsNeedling at ST-36 acupuncture point may improve cardiovascular function better than needling at non-acupuncture points in patients with hypertension.

Effect of Piracetam and Iron Treatment on Heart Rate Variability in Patients With Breath-Holding Spell

BackgroundBreath-holding spells are a benign condition primarily seen in 3% to 5% of healthy children aged between six months and five years. Although no specific treatment is recommended due to its benign nature, iron and piracetam are used in severe or recurrent cases. We planned to compare the heart rate variability (HRV) before and after treatment with 24-hour Holter monitoring in patients receiving iron and piracetam treatment and investigate the treatment's effectiveness. MethodsTwenty-five patients who applied to the outpatient clinic between 2013 and 2015 due to breath-holding spells were included in the study. The patients who received piracetam and iron therapy and underwent 24-hour rhythm Holter monitoring were evaluated retrospectively. ResultsFourteen (56%) of these patients were evaluated as having cyanotic-type and 11 (44%) patients were assessed as having pale-type breath-holding spells. A significant difference was found only between hourly peak heart rate and total power in the group receiving iron treatment. Significant differences were also found among the minimum heart rate, mean heart rate, the standard deviation of RR intervals, the mean square root of the sum of the squares of their difference between adjacent RR intervals, spectpow, and low frequency before and after the treatment in the patients who started piracetam treatment (P < 0.05). ConclusionsOur study is critical as it is the first to investigate the effects of treatment options on various HRV in patients with breath-holding spells. There were statistically significant changes in HRV parameters in patients receiving piracetam, and the number of attacks decreased significantly. Piracetam treatment contributes positively to the breath-holding spell with regard to efficacy and HRV, therefore it can be used to treat breath-holding spells.

Gender differences of heart rate variability in patients with ischemic stroke

Abstract: Background: Heart rate variability (HRV) is a parameter useful in monitoring post stroke cardiac dysautonomia. Our study is aimed at investigating HRV modifications in patients with stroke; (2) Methods: We investigated HRV parameters in 35 men and 35 women with stroke, data compared to 70 age and sex similar healthy subjects. We collected and interpreted HRV data related to resting state, deep breathing, and standing situations; (3) Results: The variables identified by classification methods to be discriminative in stroke groups for men and women classes are VLFms2, LFms2, LFnu, HFnu, and ApEn in resting state conditions, mean RR, HR, pNN50, VLFms2, LFnu, HFnu, ApEn and SampEn in deep breathing conditions, and mean RR, HR, HFnu, ApEn, and DFA1 in standing conditions; (4) Conclusions: Monitoring of HRV in patients who have suffered an ischemic stroke is essential, as it is known that stoke contributes to an increased risk of cardiac autonomic dysfunction and consequently to a second unwanted vascular event.

Effects of perioperative clinical hypnosis on heart rate variability in patients undergoing oncologic surgery: secondary outcomes of a randomized controlled trial.

Clinical hypnosis has been proposed for post-surgical pain management for its potential vagal-mediated anti-inflammatory properties. Evidence is needed to understand its effectiveness for post-surgical recovery. Iin this secondary outcome study, it was hypothesized that surgical oncology patients randomized to receive perioperative clinical hypnosis (CH) would demonstrate greater heart-rate variability (HRV) during rest and relaxation at a 1-month post-surgery assessment compared to a treatment-as-usual group (TAU). After REB approval, trial registration and informed consent, 92 participants were randomized to receive CH (n = 45) or TAU (n = 47). CH participants received a CH session before surgery and during post-surgical in-hospital stay HRV was assessed during rest (5 min) and relaxation (10 min) before and 1-month after surgery. Pain intensity was obtained using a 0-10 numeric rating scale pre and post 1-week and 1-month post surgery. One month after surgery, HRV was significantly higher in CH group (n = 29) during rest and relaxation (both p < 0.05, d = 0.73) than TAU group (n = 28). By contrast, rest and relaxation HRV decreased from pre- to 1-month post-surgery for the TAU (both p < 0.001, d > 0.48) but not the CH group. Pain intensity increased from pre-surgery to 1-week post-surgery (p < 0.001, d = 0.50), and decreased from 1-week to 1-month post-surgery (p = 0.005, d = 0.21) for all participants. The results suggest that hypnosis prevents the deleterious effects of surgery on HRV by preserving pre-operative vagal activity. These findings underscore the potential of clinical hypnosis in mitigating the adverse effects of surgery on autonomic function and may have significant implications for enhancing post-surgical recovery and pain management strategies. ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier (NCT03730350).

Effect of pranayama on pulmonary functions and heart rate variability in patients with mild-to-moderate persistent bronchial asthma

Background: The global burden of bronchial asthma is on the rise. Asthma is a disorder of airflow obstruction associated with deranged pulmonary functions and autonomic imbalance. Though past studies have shown the beneficial effects of various asanas and breathing exercises in bronchial asthma, the role of such non-pharmacological alternative modalities in reducing morbidity and financial burden in patients is far from clear. Aims and Objectives: To assess the effect of Pranayama techniques on pulmonary functions and heart rate variability parameters in bronchial asthma patients. Materials and Methods: In our present study, we have recruited patients with mild-to-moderate bronchial asthma after taking written and informed consent. These patients were then asked to perform three pranayama techniques, namely Suryanadi, Bhastrika, and Kapalabhati pranayama, for 30 min a day, 3 days a week, for up to 4 weeks. Pulmonary function test parameters (forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in 1st s [FEV1], FEV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow rate) and Autonomic function test parameters (Time domain: mean HR, mean RR, NN50, pNN50, SDNN; Frequency domain: very low frequency (LF), LF, LF/high frequency (HF) ratio, total power) were compared before and after the intervention using a paired t-test. Results: After the intervention, improvements were recorded in pulmonary functions. Furthermore, pranayama was found to cause a shift in the sympathovagal balance toward the parasympathetic system. However, the changes recorded were not statistically significant. This shows further research in this field is required with a larger sample size, which may yield statistically significant data. Conclusion: Thus, we conclude that pranayama can be a useful alternative therapy for reducing morbidity and mortality in bronchial asthma patients.

2型糖尿病患者血压昼夜节律变化与空腹血糖、心率变异性的相关性研究

2型糖尿病患者血压昼夜节律变化与空腹血糖、心率变异性的相关性研究