Poincare Plot Analysis of Differences in Heart Rate Variability Between Patients with Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Without Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Abstract
Heart rate variability (HRV) is the variation in the interval between consecutive heart beats. This allows the cardiovascular system to respond to sudden changes in physical demands, which is required for cardiovascular balance. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when pharyngeal muscles relax during sleep causing upper airway collapse, restricting airflow. Low blood oxygenation (hypoxemia) is a result. Repeated hypoxemias trigger autonomic nervous system (ANS) imbalance, causing systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and altered metabolism. The ANS has direct modulating effects on HRV. HRV is reduced in OSA patients; many agree this ANS imbalance contributes to cardiovascular disease, a recognized long-term sequela of OSA. Time-domain and frequency-domain analysis of HRV can be difficult and require specialized skill. Poincar plot analysis has been proposed as a simplified alternative method. The aim of this study is to evaluate differences in HRV between patients with moderate OSA and without OSA using Poincar plots.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 05, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1182855
Entities
People
- Jennifer C Steigerwald
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences