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Updated: Jan 13, 2026
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Published on: March 5, 2022
Comparative Analysis of Heart Rate Variability in Women with and Without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Sivaranjani Sarathivarman1, Prabhavathi Krishnan1, Keerthi Ravi1
1Department of Physiology, SRM Medical College, Hospital and Research Center, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India.
Background:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder associated with autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysregulation, potentially increasing cardiometabolic risk.
Aim:
This case-control study aimed to compare heart rate variability (HRV), a non-invasive measure of ANS function, in women with and without PCOS.
Methodology:
A total of 100 women (50 with PCOS and 50 age- and BMI-matched controls) aged 18-45 years were recruited at SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre. HRV was assessed using time-domain (SDNN, RMSSD, NN50, pNN50) and frequency-domain (VLF, LF, HF, LF/HF ratio) parameters.
Results:
Women with PCOS exhibited significantly reduced HRV, with lower SDNN (32.4 ± 8.1 ms vs. 42.7 ± 9.3 ms, P < 0.001), RMSSD (25.6 ± 7.2 ms vs. 35.8 ± 8.5 ms, P < 0.001), and HF power (28.1 ± 6.3% vs. 36.4 ± 7.9%, P < 0.01), indicating reduced parasympathetic activity and autonomic imbalance.
Conclusion:
These findings suggest that women with PCOS may have an increased risk of cardiometabolic complications due to autonomic dysfunction. Early HRV assessment could serve as a non-invasive tool for identifying at-risk individuals.
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