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Intra-Individual Relationship between Heart Rate Variability and the Underlying Heart Rate in Children and
Martina Šišáková1,2, Kateřina Helánová1,2, Katerina Hnatkova3
1Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, University Hospital Brno, Jihlavská 20, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
Heart rate variability (HRV) in children shows age-related changes in autonomic control. As children age, the balance between sympathetic and vagal influences on heart rate develops, with vagal control becoming more prominent.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Autonomic Nervous System Function
- Cardiovascular Physiology
Background:
- Limited data exist on heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) relationships in children.
- Previous studies primarily focused on adult populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between heart rate and HRV indices in healthy children and adolescents.
- To understand age- and sex-related differences in autonomic control of heart rate.
Main Methods:
- Continuous 12-lead ECGs recorded in 1016 healthy children (4-19 years) during postural maneuvers.
- Measured RR interval and HRV indices (SDNN, RMSSD, qnHF, LF/HF) in different positions.
- Calculated linear regression slopes between HRV measurements and RR interval averages.
Main Results:
- Regression slopes varied significantly with age and sex.
- Steeper slopes for SDNN/RR, RMSSD/RR, and qnHF/RR in younger children compared to older ones.
- Shallower slopes for LF/HF/RR in younger children, indicating developmental changes in sympatho-vagal balance.
Conclusions:
- Sympathetic and vagal influences on heart rate are present throughout childhood.
- The sympatho-vagal balance matures with age, with increasing vagal dominance.
- These findings highlight developmental shifts in autonomic regulation of heart rate in pediatric populations.
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