PR-interval compensation - a new form of HRV?
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1
University of Sydney, Australia
Aims: Current theory within heart rate variability treats RR intervals - the distance between the electrocardiographic signals corresponding to the depolarisation of the ventricles - as if they are the only source of information in the heart. This is obviously not the case, as each ECG complex describes a series of complex interrelated depolarisation events. Are there any other signals within these events which, like HRV, give us access to further information on autonomic state? One section which has received comparatively little attention is the coordination between the P wave (the initial sinoatrial depolarisation of the heart) and the R wave. Previous work has shown that this period changes dynamically in multiple circumstances; for instance, during exercise and for periods during sleep. Can we reproduce these changes in the laboratory measurement? Method: Several datasets were created or retrospectively analysed: at rest (n=20), during deep breathing (n=14), after ventricular premature contractions (VPC; n=3), during stress/anxiety tasks (n=40). Results: PR interval compensation occurs reliably after VPC, occasionally during deep breathing and anxiety-provoking task, and never at rest. The properties of this change support the idea that this is caused by either spikes in or the 'uncovering' of basal sympathetic activity. As such, it is not rate-dependent - it occurs during very slow post-VPC intervals, but also during heart rates above approximately 88 BPM. Conclusions: PR interval compensation may represent a novel form of analysis which draws information from basal cardiac sympathetic tone.
Keywords:
HRV,
Electrocardiography,
Autonomic Nervous System,
Parasympathetic Nervous System,
Sympathetic Nervous System
Conference:
ASP2013 - 23rd Annual meeting of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology, Wollongong, Australia, 20 Nov - 22 Nov, 2013.
Presentation Type:
Oral Presentation
Topic:
Other...
Citation:
Heathers
JA
(2013). PR-interval compensation - a new form of HRV?.
Conference Abstract:
ASP2013 - 23rd Annual meeting of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology.
doi: 10.3389/conf.fnhum.2013.213.00045
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Received:
11 Oct 2013;
Published Online:
05 Nov 2013.
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Correspondence:
Mr. James A Heathers, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia, jamesheathers@gmail.com