Abstract
In various diseased states reduced cardiac vagal activity is accompanied by impaired
endothelial function. Evidence from animal studies indicates interaction between the
two systems, but such data from human studies is limited. The aim of this study was
to test the hypothesis that cardiac vagal activity and endothelial function are related
in healthy individuals.
46 young males were studied. From 10 minute long ECG recordings mean RR-interval and time and frequency domain vagal heart
rate variability indices (RMSSD; pNN50 and HF, respectively) were determined. Heart
rate variability indices were used to define cardiac vagal activity. Endothelial function
was assessed by measuring brachial artery flow mediated dilation. Hyperemic, diastolic
shear rate was used to normalize flow mediated dilation.
All three vagal heart rate variability indices correlated significantly and positively
with flow mediated dilation across subjects, with r values within the range of 0.43–0.52,
p<0.01 for all relations. After adjusting for potential confounders, vagal heart rate
variability indices remained significantly associated with normalized flow mediated
dilation. RR-interval was related to most heart rate variability indices, but was
not related to flow mediated dilation.
Our data demonstrate that vagal heart rate variability indices are related to flow
mediated dilation across healthy male subjects. The results cannot serve as evidence
of a causal relationship, but are of interest and render for further investigation
into underlying mechanisms.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 02, 2012
Accepted:
May 29,
2012
Received in revised form:
May 24,
2012
Received:
January 6,
2012
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 Elsevier B.V. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
