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Twenty-four hour heart period variability in systemic sclerosis
S Morelli1, G Piccirillo, F Fimognari
1Istituto di I Clinica Medica, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
The Journal of Rheumatology
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients show cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction, indicated by reduced heart rate variability (HRV). This finding in SSc may inform new treatment strategies for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Autonomic dysfunction is implicated in systemic sclerosis (SSc) pathogenesis, affecting Raynaud's phenomenon and gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Cardiovascular autonomic function assessment is crucial for understanding SSc complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate cardiovascular autonomic function in patients with SSc.
- To analyze heart rate variability (HRV) using 24-hour electrocardiogram recordings.
Main Methods:
- Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis in both frequency and time domains.
- Study included 50 patients diagnosed with SSc and 24 healthy control subjects.
Main Results:
- Frequency domain analysis revealed reduced low and high frequency HRV values in SSc patients compared to controls (p=0.007 and p=0.021, respectively).
- Time domain analysis showed no significant differences between groups.
- Increased ventricular ectopic beats and supraventricular tachycardia episodes were observed in SSc patients.
Conclusions:
- Spectral analysis of heart rate variability indicates cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in systemic sclerosis.
- Further understanding of this autonomic complication may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for SSc.