A nonlinear analytical model of the autonomic basis of heart rate variability (HRV)

The sinoatrial (SA) node is responsible for the initiation of cardiac contractions, and integrates charge across its cell membranes on a beat-to-beat basis mainly through the regulation of slow calcium-sodium channels. The time constant (slope) of this integrator and the firing threshold (voltage) of the SA nodal cells are influenced by inputs from both sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic neural pathways converging on the heart. A model has been developed in Matlab that accounts for cumulative autonomic effects on the SA node's integrator and non-cumulative effects on it's firing threshold, and includes an assessment of the contribution of noise to both sub-systems. Using the model, an assessment of the effect of an arbitrary number of autonomic inputs is made on the beat-to-beat variability of heart rate. Additionally, the contribution of noise and nonlinear fast channel effects are considered. Assignment of particular autonomic control frequencies results in physiologically realistic heart rate versus time outputs. Physiological heart rate variability modes such as autonomic control spectra in heart rate, mode-locking, and other complex behaviors can be demonstrated. The results of this model may then be compared with physiological data in which autonomic inputs are controlled by paced breathing or other physiological stimulus.