Assesment of Autonomic Function in Slow Coronary Flow using Heart Rate Variability and Heart Rate Turbulence

Abstract

Background: Slow Coronary Flow Syndrome (SCFS) is an angiographic observation characterized by angiographically normal or near-normal coronary arteries with the delayed progression of contrast dye injected into the coronary tree. Previous studies suggested that these patients had autonomic dysfunction. Life threatening arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death have also been reported in these patients. Aim:Our aim was to assess autonomic function in slow coronary patients using heart rate variability and heart rate turbulence. Conclusion:We showed that some of HRV parameters and HRT was impaired in favor of slow coronary patients. Impaired autonomic activity may lead to the tendency to arrhythmias and may cause sudden cardiac death in slow coronary patients.