A Novel Adaptive Noise Elimination Algorithm in Long RR Interval Sequences for Heart Rate Variability Analysis.

As heart rate variability (HRV) studies become more and more prevalent in clinical practice, one of the most common and significant causes of errors is associated with distorted RR interval (RRI) data acquisition. The nature of such artifacts can be both mechanical as well as software based. Various currently used noise elimination in RRI sequences methods use filtering algorithms that eliminate artifacts without taking into account the fact that the whole RRI sequence time cannot be shortened or lengthened.

Defining the nocturnal period in 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring: a comparison of three methods.

Objectives: The purpose of our study was to compare three definitions of ambulatory blood pressure (BP) nocturnal period and to assess their agreement in determining nocturnal BP dipping patterns.

Methods: We investigated 69 subjects with metabolic syndrome, aged 50-55 years. In all subjects, we assessed 24-h BP monitoring, electrocardiogram and actigraphy profiles.

Daily Heart Rate Variability Indices in Subjects with and Without Metabolic Syndrome Before and After the Elimination of the Influence of Day-Time Physical Activity.

The available research shows conflicting data on the heart rate variability (HRV) in metabolic syndrome (MetS) subjects. The discrepancy suggests a methodical shortcoming: due to the influence of physical activity, the standard measuring of HRV at rest is not comparable with HRV assessment based on 24h Holter monitoring, which is preferred because of its comprehensiveness. To obtain a more reliable measure and to clarify to what extent HRV is altered in MetS, we assessed a 24h HRV before and after the elimination of the influence of physical activity.

Impact of a Cognitive Behavioral Intervention on Health-Related Quality of Life and General Heart Rate Variability in Patients Following Cardiac Surgery: An Effectiveness Study.

Background: Although there is evidence supporting the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in decreasing psychologic symptoms and improving health-related quality of life in patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery, the effectiveness of these interventions in usual health care practice, and their effect on general heart rate variability (HRV), has not been tested.

Objective: This study investigated the effectiveness of CBT in improving health-related quality of life and HRV in patients with postcardiac surgery.

Methods: However, 2 months following surgery, 150 patients were assigned sequentially to a CBT group that received the intervention for 9 months or a comparison group that received usual care.