Heart rate variability: Origins, methods, and interpretive caveats

Author(s): Bigger, J. T., Eckberg, D. L., Grossman, P., Kaufmann, P. G., Malik, M., Nagaraja, H. N., Porges, S. W., Saul, J. P., Stone, P. H., VanderMolen, M. W.

Journal/Book: Psychophysiology. 1997; 34: 40 West 20TH Street, New York, NY 10011-4211. Cambridge Univ Press. 623-648.

Abstract: Components of heart rate variability have attracted considerable attention in psychology and medicine and have become important dependent measures in psychophysiology and behavioral medicine. Quantification and interpretation of heart rate variability, however, remain complex issues and are fraught with pitfalls. The present report (a) examines the physiological origins and mechanisms of heart rate variability, (b) considers quantitative approaches to measurement, and (c) highlights important caveats in the interpretation of heart rate variability. Summary guidelines for research in this area are outlined, and suggestions and prospects for future developments are considered.

Note: Review Berntson GG, Ohio State Univ, Dept Psychol, 1885 Neil Ave, Columbus,OH 43210 USA

Keyword(s): autonomic nervous system; cardiac chronotropic control; electrocardiogram; heart rate; methodology; parasympathetic; respiratory sinus arrhythmia; sympathetic; vagal tone; RESPIRATORY SINUS ARRHYTHMIA; ACUTE MYOCARDIAL-INFARCTION; PARASYMPATHETIC CARDIAC CONTROL; BLOOD-PRESSURE VARIABILITY; SYMPATHETIC-NERVE ACTIVITY; POWER SPECTRUM ANALYSIS; CAROTID BARORECEPTOR STIMULI; MIDDLE-AGED PERSONS; R-R INTERVAL; PERIOD VARIABILITY

Zurück | Weiter