Development of Parameters of Heart Rate Variability in Young Subjects Aged 15 - 19 Years

Overview

The authors evaluated the heart rate variability (HRV) in 206 subjects (100 girls and 106 boys) with a meanBMI of 21.3 ± 2.3 by spectral analysis using the Varia-Pulse TF3 system (SIMA MEDIA, Olomouc). All subjectswere examined under standard condition in a supine position. As to HRV parameters the following were evaluated:R-R interval, MSSD (mean squared successive difference), total spectral power, spectral powers in three frequencyzones (VLF, LF, HF) and the VLF/HF ratio.HRV parameters and sex: By comparison of the mentioned parameters in the whole group no significantdifferences were found between boys and girls. Girls at the age of 15 years had as compared with boys of the sameage significantly higher parameters of HRV (MSSD, total power, VLF power, HF power). At the age of 19 yearsgirls had significantly shorter R-R intervals and lower values of HRV parameters.HRV parameters and age (15 - 19 years): In boys the length of the R-R interval increased significantly withage, i.e. the heart rate declined. Parameters characterizing the total HRV (total spectral power and MSSD) as wellas spectral powers in the very low frequency (VLF) and high frequency zones (HF) increased with age. In girls inthe mentioned parameters no developmental trends were observed.

Key words:
heart rate variability, spectral analysis, development, sex, age, young people