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Published on: August 18, 2014
Cardiac Autonomic Modulation in Domestic Cats with Obstructive Lower Urinary Tract Disease
Mary Marlene Tarazona Molina1, Priscylla Tatiana Chalfun Guimarães-Okamoto1, Amanda Sarita Cruz-Aleixo1
1Department of Veterinary Clinics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618970, Brazil.
Insights
Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis reveals autonomic nervous system (ANS) imbalances in cats with obstructive feline lower urinary tract disease (OFLUTD). HRV can predict OFLUTD severity, aiding in early intervention.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Cardiology
- Physiology
Background:
- Obstructive feline lower urinary tract disease (OFLUTD) is a common feline condition.
- Metabolic and electrolyte changes in OFLUTD can impact autonomic nervous system (ANS) function.
- Understanding ANS alterations is crucial for managing OFLUTD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate heart rate variability (HRV) indices in cats with OFLUTD.
- To correlate HRV with systolic blood pressure (SBP), electrocardiographic, biochemical, and haemogasometric parameters.
- To determine the predictive value of HRV in OFLUTD.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-five male cats were divided into a control group (n=25) and an OFLUTD group (n=40).
- Electrocardiography and SBP measurements were performed on both groups.
- HRV analysis, including SDNN and rMSSD, was conducted.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in HRV parameters (SDNN, rMSSD) were observed between control and OFLUTD groups.
- Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was higher in the control group.
- Heart rate (HR) and high-frequency (HF) components of HRV were elevated in the OFLUTD group.
Conclusions:
- HRV analysis indicates autonomic nervous system (ANS) imbalance in cats with OFLUTD.
- HRV serves as a valuable preventive tool for OFLUTD.
- HRV can predict the severity of OFLUTD, guiding clinical management.
Abstract:
Obstructive feline lower urinary tract disease (OFLUTD) is the most common complication of the urinary system, as metabolic and electrolyte changes can alter the functioning of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The objective of this study was to describe the indices of heart rate variability (HRV) and their correlations with the observed alterations in Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and electrocardiographic, biochemical, and haemogasometric indices in cats diagnosed with OFLUTD. Sixty-five male cats up to 10 years of age were divided into two groups. The control group (CG) was composed of 25 healthy cats, and the obstructed group (OG) consisted of 40 cats with OFLUTD. The OG was evaluated by electrocardiography and blood pressure at four different time points. In the CG, electrocardiographic evaluation and SBP measurement were performed. A comparison of the HRV between the CG and OG (M0) revealed differences in the SDNN (standard deviation of all normal RR-NN) parameters (sympathetic and parasympathetic tone) and in the rMSSD (parasympathetic tone); there was a difference in the SBP, which was greater in the CG. There were higher rates in the CG. The HF and HR were greater in OG. The HRV serves as a preventive tool and predicts the severity of OFLUTD in patients due to an imbalance in the ANS.
