Power spectrum of heart rate variability: a non-invasive test of integrated neurocardiac function

Under steady state conditions, frequency specific oscillations in the heart rate record reflect beat-to-beat autonomic control of sinus node activity. Using an autoregressive model, samples (2.5 min) of continuous ECG records were analyzed in 36 healthy young adults during supine rest (45 min), orthostatic stress and controlled respiration. In the supine state, constancy of heart rate was achieved (mean HR 62.8 bt/min +/- 4.88 SD). However, the 0.1 Hz peak spectral power varied considerably: average coefficient of variation was 34% compared to only 8% for heart rate. When breathing rates were synchronized to a metronome there was a small insignificant decrease in the peak power at 0.1 Hz compared to spontaneous respiration. Standing produced a significant increase in the peak power at 0.1 Hz especially during synchronized breathing. There was a maximum increase in the low frequency (0.1 Hz) peak power of 40 (bt/min)2. Hz-1 at a controlled breathing frequency of 0.25 Hz in the standing compared to supine position. The data show that reproducibility of the power spectrum heart rate variability is best achieved at controlled but physiologic respiratory rates and, preferably, in the upright position.