Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 11, 2026
The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test MSPT: An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
Published on: June 30, 2014
Characterisation of cardiac autonomic function in multiple sclerosis based on spontaneous changes of heart rate and
Fatemeh Shirbani1, Edward Barin1, Yi-Ching Lee2
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
Background:
Prevalence of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction (CAD) in multiple sclerosis (MS) varies between studies. Cardiac autonomic function is usually assessed by cardiovascular reflex tests. We hypothesized that MS is associated with CAD, quantifiable by non-invasive means including quantification of baroreceptor sensitivity (BRS) and heart rate variability.
Methods:
In this study a comprehensive suite of cardiovascular autonomic tests based only on the spontaneous changes of heart rate and blood pressure was applied to 23 MS patients and age and gender-matched controls. From 5-min continuous non-invasive recording of the electrocardiogram and blood pressure, heart-rate, blood pressure, and autonomic function variables were calculated. Analysis included heart rate variability in the time domain, heart rate and blood pressure variability in the frequency domain, and baroreceptor sensitivity in both the time and frequency domain.
Results:
BRS measured by the frequency technique in high frequency band was found to be significantly lower in MS (16 ± 9 ms/mmHg) compared to controls (29 ± 17 ms/mmHg) (p < 0.05). Also mean of BRS modulus in MS averaged 15 ± 8 ms/mmHg which is significantly lower compared to controls (25 ± 15 ms/mmHg) (p < 0.05). Systolic blood pressure variability in the high frequency band (0.15-0.5 Hz) was found to be significantly higher in the MS compared to controls (5.8 ± 16.7 mmHg2 vs. 1.3 ± 0.8 mmHg2) (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
The results, using techniques novel to MS investigation, showed diminished baroreceptor reflex and impaired sympathetic function using frequency domain systolic blood pressure variability analysis.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Cardiac Output I:Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output (CO) refers to the total amount of blood ejected by one of the ventricles in liters per minute (L/min). In a resting adult, CO ranges from 5 to 6 L/min, adjusting according to the body's metabolic requirements.
Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output adapts to metabolic demands during stress, physical activity, or illness. The autonomic nervous system regulates heart rate via the sinoatrial node. The parasympathetic nervous system decreases heart...
02:21Spontaneity
01:31Regulation of Heart Rates
The SNS increases heart rate through the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine, which act on beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart. This action increases the rate of depolarization in the sinoatrial (SA) node, the heart's...
01:24Blood Pressure
01:30Blood Pressure
The average BP in an adult is typically around 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). In this measurement, the numerator (120) indicates the systolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart's ventricles as blood is expelled. The denominator (80) represents the...
01:30Factors Influencing Heart Rate
Let us explore the significant factors affecting heart rate, including age, body temperature, posture, acute pain, chemical influences,...