Analysis of Cardiovascular Autonomic Functions in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Using Heart Rate Variability

Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a multi system disorder with auto immune origin. Autonomic dysfunction is attributed to morbidity of cardiovascular system in these patients. Heart rate variability is a useful tool in evaluating themodulations of autonomic nervous system. Aim of the study: To evaluate cardiac function in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients by means of non invasive measures to detect earlydysfunction of cardiovascular system. Materials and methods: 30patients (28 female and 2 male) with SLE and 30 controls were enrolled for the study. This study evaluated the effects of Supine,Standing and Deep breathing on cardiac autonomic nervous modulation by heart rate variability. Both Time Domain andFrequency Domain measures were evaluated. Results were analysed using Student independent t test. Results: Subjects were similar with regard to height, weight, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. SDNN, RMSSD, and High Frequency(HF) component were decreased in SLE patients compared with healthy controls, but Low Frequency (LF) component, LF/HF and total power were higher in SLE patients. Conclusion: The results of our study showed that there is subclinical impairment of cardiovascular autonomic functions. HRV is a suitable technique to assess autonomic modulations in SLE patients.