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Heart rate behavior in children with atrial septal defect
M M Massin1, B Derkenne, G von Bernuth
1Division of Pediatric Cardiology, CHR Citadelle (University of Liège), Liège, Belgium. Martial.Massin@chrcitadelle.be
Cardiology
|March 23, 1999
Summary
Heart rate variability (HRV) was reduced in children with atrial septal defect, correlating with elevated right atrial and right ventricular pressures. This highlights the impact of ventricular filling pressures on autonomic heart control in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatrics
- Autonomic Nervous System Function
Background:
- Atrial septal defect (ASD) can affect cardiovascular function.
- Neurohumoral control of heart rate is crucial for cardiovascular health.
- Heart rate variability (HRV) offers a noninvasive window into autonomic nervous system activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate heart rate variability (HRV) in children with secundum atrial septal defect.
- To correlate HRV indices with hemodynamic parameters before surgical repair.
- To understand the impact of right ventricular filling pressures on autonomic cardiac control in pediatric ASD.
Main Methods:
- Assessed five time-domain and three frequency-domain HRV indices.
- Utilized 24-hour Holter recordings in 20 children (aged 3-14 years) with ASD.
- Compared HRV measures against normal ranges and preoperative cardiac catheterization data.
Main Results:
- Most HRV indices were moderately depressed in children with atrial septal defect.
- Negative correlations were observed between HRV indices and mean right atrial pressure.
- Negative correlations were also found between HRV indices and end-diastolic right ventricular pressure.
Conclusions:
- Children with atrial septal defect exhibit impaired heart rate variability.
- Right ventricular filling pressures significantly influence the autonomic control of the heart in pediatric ASD.
- HRV assessment provides valuable insights into cardiovascular autonomic function in children with ASD.