[Study on early heart rate variability in patients with severe acute cerebral vascular disease]

To investigate the dynamic changes of heart rate variability (HRV) in acute cerebral vascular disease, in order to make a criterion for evaluating cerebral function, and establish an assessment for risk stratification after acute stroke.

All 35 patients who suffered from cerebral vascular disease in the distribution of the carotid artery system were studied from 1 to 7 days following the stroke. HRV analysis with 24-hour Holter tapes was performed every day or every other day continuously for 5 days. According to GCS, the patients were divided into two groups. Critical cerebral vascular disease (CCVD): a state of severe cerebral dysfunction with the Glasgow coma scale (GCS) value between 3 and 8. Non-critical cerebral vascular disease (nCCVD): a state of slightly cerebral dysfunction with the GCS value between 9 and 15.

Of the 35 patients, 17 were classified to CCVD, 18 to nCCVD. The CCVD patients had significantly decreased HRV, especially the standard deviation of all R-R intervals (SDNN) and total frequency (TF). The 24-hour heart rate variability graph lost its circadian variation showing a low and plain curve during the whole day. There was a significant correlation between the decrease of HRV and bad prognosis. The borderline of HRV for prognosis was: SDNN

HRV decreases significantly in CCVD and loses its circadian variation. Dynamic observation of HRV offers a good marker for monitoring cerebral function and the progress of disease. HRV could be considered as an objective, non-traumatic and sensitive indicator of the cerebral function and prognosis.