A common origin of the very low frequency heart rate and blood pressure variability--a new insight into an old debate.

The purpose of this study was to assess the exact temporal and amplitude relationship between very low frequency heart rate variability waves and very low frequency blood pressure variability waves. We developed a computerized system based on a modified proportional-integral controller for the controlled increase of heart rate by isoproterenol. Heart rate and blood pressure were measured continuously in conscious tethered rats. Using time domain methods, we found that the very low frequency heart rate variability waves and the very low frequency blood pressure variability waves are irregular, while at the same time strikingly 1:1 synchronized with each other. In 78% of the cases, the phase between the peaks of the very low frequency heart rate variability waves and very low frequency blood pressure variability waves was negative (blood pressure leads). Their amplitudes were linearly related with a degree of hysteresis. As blood pressure went up, heart rate went down. Our results suggest with a high degree of probability that the very low frequency heart rate variability waves do not cause very low frequency blood pressure variability waves, and that these two signals are probably driven by the same autonomic nervous system controller/oscillator.