Heart rate variability and its correlation with pulmonary function test of smokers

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pulmonology
• Physiology

Background:

• Chronic smoking adversely affects pulmonary function tests (PFT) and heart rate variability (HRV).
• Previous research has not established a direct correlation between PFT and HRV parameters in smokers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential correlation between PFT and HRV in chronic smokers.
• To determine if PFT and HRV parameters are linked in individuals with a history of heavy smoking.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 30 chronic male smokers (≥10 pack-years) and 30 healthy non-smoking males, matched for anthropometric data.
• Pulmonary function tests (PFT) and heart rate variability (HRV) assessments were conducted.
• Spearman's correlation and multiple stepwise regression analyses were employed to derive statistical correlations.

Main Results:

• Significant correlations were observed between high-frequency (HF) and low-frequency (LF) HRV components and PFT parameters, specifically forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR).
• FEV1/FVC ratio demonstrated a statistically significant regression coefficient with HF (R=0.425).

Conclusions:

• Smoking negatively impacts both PFT and HRV parameters.
• The identified correlations between PFT (PEFR, FEV1) and HRV (LF, HF) can potentially predict cardiac morbidity in chronic smokers.
• Routine inclusion of HRV alongside PFT in chronic smokers may facilitate early detection of cardiac involvement.