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Heart rate variability in systemic hypertension
H V Huikuri1, A Ylitalo, S M Pikkujämsä
1Division of Cardiology and Atherosclerosis Research Group, Department of Internal Medicine and Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Finland.
The American Journal of Cardiology
|May 15, 1996
Summary
Long-standing hypertension reduces heart rate (HR) variability and autonomic responses. These changes are primarily linked to elevated blood pressure and obesity in hypertensive males.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Autonomic Nervous System Research
- Hypertension Studies
Background:
- Low heart rate (HR) variability is a known risk factor for cardiac mortality.
- The impact of long-standing hypertension on autonomic HR modulation requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare HR variability and autonomic modulation between hypertensive and normotensive males.
- To determine if hypertension is associated with altered autonomic control of HR.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of time and frequency domain measures of HR variability in 168 hypertensive and 188 normotensive males.
- Analysis of spectral components and normalized frequency components during postural changes.
- Multiple regression analysis to identify predictors of HR variability.
Main Results:
- Hypertensive subjects exhibited lower overall HR variability (reduced RR interval standard deviation and spectral components).
- Hypertensive subjects showed blunted autonomic responses to postural changes.
- Systolic blood pressure was a significant predictor of HR variability in both groups.
Conclusions:
- Long-standing hypertension is associated with reduced HR variability and impaired autonomic responses.
- Elevated blood pressure and obesity are the primary drivers of altered autonomic HR modulation in hypertensive males.
- These findings highlight the cardiovascular implications of hypertension-related autonomic dysfunction.