Abstract
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between heart rate turbulence (HRT) parameters and clinical characteristics of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 122 patients (mean age 62 +/- 9 years) with angiographically documented CAD, 24-hour Holter monitoring with HRT analysis was performed to evaluate turbulence onset (TO) and turbulence slope (TS). There was a significant correlation between TO and TS (P =-0.31; P < 0.001). According to quartile values, TO >or=-0.37% and TS 60 years (OR 1.27; P = 0.002) and EF < 40% (OR 1.39; P = 0.001) as independent clinical factors associated with abnormal HRT parameters. CONCLUSIONS: HRT parameters are influenced by clinical characteristics and pharmacotherapy of studied patients with TS more than abnormal TO depending on clinical characteristics of patients. Advanced age, prior myocardial infarction and left ventricular dysfunction are key factors influencing values of HRT parameters.