Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 13, 2026

Pulse-Wave Velocity, Flow-Mediated Dilation, and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness to Assess Cardiovascular Risk in Population with Metabolic Syndrome
06:04

Pulse-Wave Velocity, Flow-Mediated Dilation, and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness to Assess Cardiovascular Risk in Population with Metabolic Syndrome

Published on: September 27, 2024

Reduced heart rate variability is associated with increased arterial stiffness in youth with type 1 diabetes: the

Mamta Jaiswal1, Elaine M Urbina, R Paul Wadwa

  • 1Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado, USA.

Diabetes Care
|February 26, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Reduced heart rate variability (HRV) is linked to arterial stiffness (AS) in youth with type 1 diabetes, even after accounting for cardiovascular disease risk factors. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Diabetes Complications

Background:

  • Type 1 diabetes in youth is associated with both reduced heart rate variability (HRV) and increased arterial stiffness (AS).
  • The relationship between HRV and AS in this population, and its independence from cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cross-sectional associations between HRV and multiple measures of AS in youth with and without type 1 diabetes.
  • To determine if these associations persist after adjusting for traditional CVD risk factors.

Main Methods:

  • The SEARCH Cardiovascular Disease (SEARCH CVD) study analyzed data from 344 youth with type 1 diabetes and 171 controls.
  • HRV was measured using SD of normal R-R interval (SDNN).
  • Arterial stiffness was assessed using pulse wave velocity (PWV-trunk), augmentation index (AIx75), and brachial distensibility (BrachD). Multiple linear regression was used for analysis.

Main Results:

  • In youth with type 1 diabetes, lower SDNN was significantly associated with peripheral AS (lower BrachD) and central AS (higher PWV-trunk, higher AIx75).
  • These associations were attenuated but remained significant for BrachD and PWV-trunk after adjusting for CVD risk factors.
  • While a similar association was observed between HRV and BrachD in control youth, no significant association was found with central AS measures.

Conclusions:

  • Reduced HRV is associated with both peripheral and central arterial stiffness in youth with type 1 diabetes.
  • These associations are partially independent of traditional CVD risk factors.
  • Longitudinal studies are necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (Cf-PWV) to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness05:51

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (Cf-PWV) to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness

Published on: May 3, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology01:26

Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

Type 1 diabetes mellitus arises from an immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β-cells, resulting in an absolute deficiency of insulin. This process develops in genetically susceptible individuals when autoimmunity, environmental exposures, and immunologic dysregulation converge to trigger a targeted attack on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The β-cells are located within the islets of Langerhans and are essential for regulating blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake of...
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology01:24

Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

PathophysiologyType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM ) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, leading to impaired glucose homeostasis. It results from interactions among genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and metabolic stressors, such as overnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Insulin Resistance and Glucose DysregulationEarly T2DM involves insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and the liver.
Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations01:19

Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations

Type 1 diabetes mellitus typically presents with rapid-onset symptoms due to the body’s inability to utilize glucose in the absence of insulin. Since insulin is required for glucose uptake into cells, its deficiency leads to hyperglycemia and cellular energy deprivation, resulting in characteristic clinical features.Polyuria and PolydipsiaOne of the earliest, most prominent symptoms is polyuria (excessive urination). When blood glucose concentrations rise above the renal threshold, the kidneys...
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
Factors Influencing Heart Rate01:30

Factors Influencing Heart Rate

The heart rate, or pulse rate, is a vital indicator of cardiovascular health. It reflects the number of times the heart beats per minute. Various physiological and environmental factors influence heart rate, increasing or decreasing cardiac output. Understanding these factors is crucial for assessing heart function and identifying potential health issues.
Let us explore the significant factors affecting heart rate, including age, body temperature, posture, acute pain, chemical influences,...