Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

Ambulatory ECG Recording in Mice
08:00

Ambulatory ECG Recording in Mice

Published on: May 27, 2010

Abnormal heart rate variability in AA amyloidosis of familial Mediterranean fever

Udi Nussinovitch1, Benjamin Volovitz, Moshe Nussinovitch

  • 1Israel Naval Medical Institute, IDF Medical Corps, Haifa, Israel.

Amyloid : the International Journal of Experimental and Clinical Investigation : the Official Journal of the International Society of Amyloidosis
|November 15, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Familial Mediterranean fever amyloidosis, especially in advanced stages, is linked to autonomic nervous system dysfunction. This is evidenced by abnormal heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with progressive FMF-AA amyloidosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Nephrology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) can lead to amyloidosis, affecting organs like the kidneys.
  • The impact of FMF-associated amyloidosis on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is not well-documented.
  • Autonomic dysfunction (dysautonomia) may play a role in the progression of FMF-AA amyloidosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and extent of autonomic nervous system dysfunction in patients with FMF-AA amyloidosis.
  • To compare heart rate variability (HRV) parameters between FMF patients with and without amyloidosis, and healthy controls.
  • To identify potential correlations between HRV abnormalities and the stage of FMF-associated amyloidosis.

Main Methods:

  • A comparative case series design was employed.
  • The study included 40 patients with FMF, divided into 20 without comorbidities/amyloidosis and 20 with renal amyloidosis.
  • Heart rate dynamics were analyzed using time domain and power spectral analyses, with comparisons to 20 healthy controls.

Main Results:

  • Patients with uncomplicated FMF showed no significant HRV differences compared to controls.
  • Patients with progressive amyloidosis (on dialysis or post-transplant) exhibited significantly reduced HRV parameters (e.g., lower low frequency power, lower standard deviation of RR intervals, lower HRV triangular index) compared to controls.
  • Abnormal HRV parameters were strongly associated with progressive amyloidosis, with odds ratios ranging from 12.67 to 41.24.

Conclusions:

  • Amyloidosis associated with Familial Mediterranean fever, particularly in its progressive stages, is linked to significant autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
  • Heart rate variability abnormalities serve as indicators of dysautonomia in FMF-AA amyloidosis.
  • These findings highlight the importance of assessing ANS function in FMF patients with amyloidosis.

More Related Videos

Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation08:10

Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: July 20, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias01:29

Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are irregular heart rhythms that result from abnormal electrical activity in the heart, affecting its ability to circulate blood efficiently. Tachyarrhythmias, a subset of dysrhythmias, are characterized by abnormally fast heart rates exceeding 100 beats per minute. Here are some types of tachyarrhythmias with their distinct ECG features:Sinus Tachycardia:Sinus tachycardia presents a regular heart rhythm with an increased rate of 101-180 beats per minute.
Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias01:18

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias

Bradyarrhythmias are cardiac rhythm disorders characterized by a slower-than-normal heart rate, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. Some of which are discussed here:Sinus BradycardiaSinus bradycardia presents a heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute, with a regular rhythm originating from the SA node. The ECG typically shows normal P waves preceding each QRS complex, a normal PR interval (0.12 to 0.20 seconds), and a normal QRS duration (0.06 to 0.10 seconds).First-Degree AV...
Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias01:28

Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are irregular heart rhythms occurring when the heart's electrical impulses become abnormal. These disturbances can lead to various symptoms, depending on their severity and the underlying cause. Some common factors contributing to arrhythmias include hypoxia, ischemia, electrolyte imbalances, excessive catecholamine exposure, drug toxicity, and muscle overstretching. Arrhythmias can be classified into two main types based on the rate and site of origin of abnormal heart rhythms.
Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias01:28

Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias

Tachyarrhythmias are a type of dysrhythmia where the heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute. Here are some common types of tachyarrhythmias:Sinus TachycardiaSinus tachycardia originates from increased impulses from the sinus node, leading to an elevated heart rate. It is often triggered by stress, fever, or exercise.Patients may experience palpitations, a sensation of a racing heart, dizziness, and chest discomfort.Causes and Risk Factors: Common causes include physical exertion, emotional...
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...