Spectral analysis of heart rate variability in diagnosis of vegetative autonomic dysfunction in patients with attacks of atrial fibrillation.

AIM: Elucidation of possible role of suprasegmental and segmental autonomic vegetative disturbances in pathogenesis of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. MATERIAL: Untreated patients (n=22) with nonrheumatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and 10 healthy subjects. METHODS: Clinical cardiological and neurological examination, assessment of the state of vegetative nervous system, emotional sphere, patterns of sleep, and spectral analysis of heart rate variability. RESULTS: According to data of spectral analysis of heart rate variability patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were characterized by marked vegetative dysfunction which was more pronounced in women, patients older than 52 years, with higher level of anxiety, with duration of symptoms longer than 6 years, and with predominantly nocturnal attacks. CONCLUSION: The data obtained should be considered in selection of therapy aimed at prevention of attacks of atrial fibrillation.