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Lower heart rate variability is associated with higher serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein concentration in

Fernando Araújo1, Ivana Antelmi, Alexandre C Pereira

  • 1Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo Medical School, General Outpatient Clinics, Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 44 05403-000 São Paulo SP, Brazil. grafernando@incor.usp.br

International Journal of Cardiology
|March 1, 2006
PubMed

Insights

In healthy older adults (aged 46+), reduced heart rate variability (HRV) is linked to higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, indicating a connection between autonomic function and inflammation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Autonomic Nervous System Function
  • Inflammation Biomarkers

Background:

  • Cardiac autonomic activity, assessed via heart rate variability (HRV), is hypothesized to associate with systemic inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP).
  • Investigating the correlation between HRV indices and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in a healthy Brazilian population.
  • Understanding the interplay between autonomic function and inflammation in a diverse age group.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between heart rate variability (HRV) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP).
  • To determine if HRV indices correlate with hs-CRP levels in a healthy Brazilian cohort.
  • To explore age-related differences in the relationship between HRV and inflammation.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 421 healthy individuals (184 men, 237 women) aged 15-82 years.
  • Analysis involved log-transformed HRV indices and serum hs-CRP concentrations.
  • Statistical methods included Spearman correlation and multiple linear regression, stratified by age tertile.

Main Results:

  • Log standard deviation of normal RR intervals (SDNN) showed an independent inverse correlation with log hs-CRP in individuals aged 46 years and older (r = -0.801; p = 0.024).
  • Body mass index (BMI) was independently correlated with hs-CRP across all age groups.
  • Findings suggest a specific relationship between HRV and hs-CRP in older healthy adults.

Conclusions:

  • Lower heart rate variability (HRV) is associated with higher hs-CRP concentrations in healthy individuals aged 46 and above.
  • This suggests a link between diminished autonomic function and increased systemic inflammation in older adults.
  • The study highlights the importance of considering age in the relationship between HRV and inflammatory markers.
Abstract

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