Factors influencing heart rate variability

Abstract

The measurement and analysis of heart rate variability (HRV), which is based on the variation between consecutive NN intervals, has become an established procedure over the past two decades. A decrease in HRV has been shown to correlate with an increase in mortality. HRV is influenced by a number of physiological factors such as various diseases. Awareness of these mediators or confounders is of great importance in the analysis and assessment of HRV both in scientific studies and in clinical practice. This document, which is based on a selective survey of references and supplemented by information from national and international guidelines, presents the main endogenous, exogenous and constitutional factors. A decrease in HRV has been observed not only in connection with non-influenceable physiological factors such as age, gender and ethnic origin, but also in conjunction with a large number of acute and chronic diseases. Numerous lifestyle factors have both a positive and a negative influence on HRV. There are also physical influences that affect HRV. They must on no account be disregarded. Although the list of the factors is long and not all of them have yet been fully studied, awareness of them is of crucial importance in the measurement of HRV (both under laboratory conditions and during medical practice), its analysis and its assessment. More research also needs to be carried out to close knowledge gaps.

Association of physical capacity with heart rate variability based on a short-duration measurement of resting pulse rate in older adults with obesity

“…The hierarchical regression models were established to explore the association of resting HR and GPCS with each HRV index, after adjusting for control variables related to HRV [ 64 ]. Separate hierarchical models were used for each of the 3 dependent HRV variables (i.e., ln SDNN, ln rMSSD, and ln HF).…”

The impact of an mHealth app on knowledge, skills and anxiety about dressing changes: A randomized controlled trial

“…We had expected a correlation between anxiety, heart rate variability, and other measures (Koenig & Thayer, ). Heart rate variability is influenced by the main endogenous, exogenous, and constitutional factors, such as age, body weight, sexual hormones, breathing, acute psychological stress, chronic diseases, caffeine use, and drugs (Sammito & Böckelmann, ). We did not consider a history of chronic diseases (such as hypertension or diabetes), menstrual cycle, or numerous lifestyle factors.…”

The relationship between post-operative time and cardiac autonomic modulation in breast cancer survivors

“…It is also important to note that an individual's characteristics (age, gender, ethnicity, hormonal changes, circadian rhythm, presence of acute and chronic diseases, psychiatric disorders and lifestyle such as physical fitness, increased body weight, active or passive smoking and alcohol abuse) or conditions in their living environment (climatic factors, noise exposure, working the night shift for many years, use of medications) can influence HRV [33]. During this study, however, we sought to control these factors.…”