Heart rate variability is reduced during acute uncomplicated diverticulitis

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Autonomic Neuroscience
• Infectious Disease

Background:

• Acute diverticulitis is associated with low-grade inflammation.
• Heart rate variability (HRV) reflects autonomic nervous system (ANS) function.
• Biomarkers of infection, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), are crucial in assessing inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate HRV index changes during acute diverticulitis.
• To explore the relationship between HRV alterations and infection biomarkers.

Main Methods:

• Observational study involving 12 patients with acute diverticulitis.
• Continuous HRV recordings were performed during active inflammation and remission.
• Blood samples were analyzed for C-reactive protein (CRP) and leukocytes.

Main Results:

• HRV indices significantly decreased in time and frequency domains during acute diverticulitis compared to baseline.
• Key HRV parameters reflecting sympathetic and parasympathetic balance were notably affected.
• Reductions in HRV indices showed significant positive correlations with elevated CRP levels.

Conclusions:

• Acute uncomplicated diverticulitis is linked to substantial depression in HRV.
• Elevated CRP levels during diverticulitis are associated with HRV alterations.
• These findings suggest inflammatory involvement in HRV changes during acute diverticulitis.