RR Variability in Acute Coronary Syndromes

Abstract

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a simple measure that estimates cardiac autonomic modulation. Analysis in the time domain and frequency range of RR variability suggests that the negative prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction is related to the overall neuro-vegetative imbalance. The alteration of RR variability reflects the dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system and especially the reduction of parasympathetic tone. The results of this study confirm the association between the reduction of RR variability and the increased risk of adverse events and mortality after acute myocardial infarction. Moreover, it appears that RR variability is an independent predictor for atrial fibrillation. Keywords: RR variability, myocardial infarction, HRV, sudden cardiac death