Circadian variation and influence of risk factors on heart rate variability in healthy subjects

Quantification of variations in instantaneous heart rate (HR) can be used to evaluate cardiac autonomic function. A 24-hour standard deviation of all normal RR intervals less than 50 ms in survivors of myocardial infarction has been shown to be an independent marker of adverse prognosis. Twenty-four-hour HR variability in 140 healthy subjects aged 40 to 77 years was determined as (1) standard deviation, and (2) percentage of successive RR interval differences greater than 6%--an index of parasympathetic activity. The 24-hour standard deviation varied between 68 and 261 ms (median 139). Range for index of parasympathetic activity was 0.1 to 29.6% (median 4.4). Twenty percent of the interindividual variation in HR variability was explained by impact of risk factors. Standard deviation was uninfluenced by age, whereas parasympathetic activity decreased by increasing age. High physical training level was independently associated with significantly higher standard deviation (and parasympathetic activity) values during both day and night. Hourly figures of standard deviation decreased during the night, whereas parasympathetic activity increased and peaked early morning. Standard deviation values as low as those reported in high-risk patients were not observed, but comparable low values for, and lack of diurnal variation in, parasympathetic activity were seen in healthy subjects also. In conclusion, risk factors and, in particular, the physical training level have impact on 24-hour HR variability in healthy subjects. This may prove valuable for modification of cardiac autonomic activity in patients.