title: R-R variations, a test of autonomic dysfunction.
abstract: Beat-to-beat variation of the heart rate was studied as a test of autonomic function. Recordings were made during quiet breathing, deep breathing and tilting from supine to upright position. The heart rate variations were expressed as a % of mean R-R interval. In order to establish normal criteria, the influence of age, wakefulness and intra-individual variations was studied in healthy volunteers. A negative correlation with age was found for all measured parameters. Patients with diabetic polyneuropathy differed from age-matched controls. Patients with symptoms of autonomic failure showed smaller variations than those without such symptoms.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000503:physiopathology; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000503:physiopathology; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000503:physiopathology; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011187:Posture; D012119:Respiration