Gender Differences of Heart Rate Variability in College Age Students

Abstract

Heart Rate variability (HRV) is the beat‐to‐beat time interval of a heart rate, also known as a R‐R interval. HRV can be used to suggest health related problems. Too high of a HRV could suggest an arrhythmia or another sort of neurological issue, while too low of a HRV could suggest chronic stress, pathology, or regression due to age to name a few. Prior research has suggested healthy males have a higher HRV when compared to healthy females. However, no study to date has investigated the day‐to‐day gender differences of heart rate variability in college age students.The purpose of this study is to examine the day‐to‐day differences in HRV for both male and female college age students. College age males and females (n=30) were recruited to participate in this study. Students who were not currently under doctor's care were included. Each subject underwent two electrocardiograms (ECG) administered on two different days within 48 hours. Subjects were positioned in a supine position for both resting single lead ECG's. Two minutes of cardiac cycles were used to evaluate cardiac rhythms. HRV was measured utilizing Power Lab/ECG Analysis Add‐On for LabChart 8 (ADInstruments). Statistical analysis included an ANOVA to compare subgroups for day one and day two, and a Wilcoxon matched pairs test to compare day one to day two as a whole. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Based on the current results, we conclude there is no difference for day‐to‐day HRV in college‐aged students as a whole. Additionally, there is also no significant difference in HRV between gender subgroups.Support or Funding InformationNo grants were obtained