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Archives of Cardiovascular Diseases Apr 2012Atrial fibrillation is the most frequently occurring sustained cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with a significantly increased risk of thromboembolic events and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Atrial fibrillation is the most frequently occurring sustained cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with a significantly increased risk of thromboembolic events and death. We sought to compare the clinical efficacy of rate and rhythm control strategies in patients with non-postoperative atrial fibrillation. We searched the PubMed database and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for randomized controlled trials comparing rate versus rhythm control in patients with atrial fibrillation. Studies were retrieved and we analysed major clinical outcomes. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated assuming random effects due to the clinical heterogeneity of the study populations. Eight randomized controlled trials were identified, with a total of 7499 patients with atrial fibrillation. There were no significant differences in the effects of rate and rhythm control on any outcome: all-cause mortality (RR: 0.95; CI: 0.86-1.05), cardiovascular mortality (RR: 0.99; CI: 0.87-1.13), arrhythmic/sudden death (RR: 1.12; CI: 0.91-1.38), ischaemic stroke (RR: 0.89; CI: 0.52-1.53), systemic embolism (RR: 0.89; CI: 0.69-1.14) and major bleeding (RR: 1.10; CI: 0.89-1.36). Updated data pooled from a large population of patients with atrial fibrillation suggests that rate and rhythm control strategies have similar effects on major clinical outcomes. Other factors, including individual preferences, comorbidities, drug tolerance and cost issues, should be considered when choosing the approach for these patients.
Topics: Aged; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Atrial Fibrillation; Evidence-Based Medicine; Female; Heart Rate; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 22633297
DOI: 10.1016/j.acvd.2011.11.005 -
Advanced Biomedical Research 2023Physical therapies such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may result in higher response and recovery rates, especially in patients who have treatment-resistant... (Review)
Review
Physical therapies such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may result in higher response and recovery rates, especially in patients who have treatment-resistant depression. Various studies have reported different changes in heart rate variability (HRV) parameters before and after depression treatment with ECT. Therefore, the present study reviews systematically the evidence describing changes in HRV parameters and the cardiac autonomic nervous system associated with ECT. Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase electronic databases were searched for papers published up to September 8, 2022, without any restriction on the year and language of the study. A total of 895 articles were reviewed by two independent groups and nine articles that met the inclusion criteria were selected. Time-domain and frequency-domain HRV parameters were assessed. In conclusion, the results of our systematic review provided limited evidence for the influence of ECT on HRV parameters. Despite studies suggesting depression results in a decrease in parasympathetic activity and ECT results in an increase in cardiac vagal activity, ECT seems to have no consistent effect on HRV parameters.
PubMed: 38073723
DOI: 10.4103/abr.abr_95_23 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Dec 2016Many antihypertensive agents exist today for the treatment of primary hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg, or... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Many antihypertensive agents exist today for the treatment of primary hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg, or both). Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have been carried out to investigate the evidence for these agents. There is, for example, strong RCT evidence that thiazides reduce mortality and morbidity. Some of those trials used reserpine as a second-line therapy. However, the dose-related blood pressure reduction with this agent is not known.
OBJECTIVES
The primary objective of this review was to quantify the dose-related efficacy of reserpine versus placebo or no treatment in reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP) or diastolic blood pressure (DBP), or both.We also aimed to evaluate the dose-related effects of reserpine on mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR), as well as the dose-related effects on withdrawals due to adverse events.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Hypertension Group Specialised Register (January 1946 to October 2016), CENTRAL (2016, Issue 10), MEDLINE (January 1946 to October 2016), Embase (January 1974 to October 2016), and ClinicalTrials.gov (all dates to October 2016). We also traced citations in the reference sections of the retrieved studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Included studies were truly randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing reserpine monotherapy to placebo or no treatment in participants with primary hypertension.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We assessed methods of randomisation and concealment. We extracted and analysed data on blood pressure reduction, heart rate, and withdrawal due to adverse effects.
MAIN RESULTS
We found four RCTs (with a total of 237 participants) that met the inclusion criteria, none of which we found through the 2016 update search. The overall pooled effect demonstrates a statistically significant systolic blood pressure (SBP) reduction in participants taking reserpine compared with placebo (weighted mean difference (WMD) -7.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) -14.05 to -1.78). Because of significant heterogeneity across the trials, a significant effect in diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR) could not be found. A dose of reserpine 0.5 mg/day or greater achieved the SBP effects. However, we could not determine the dose-response pattern because of the small number of trials. We did not combine data from the trial that investigated Rauwiloid against placebo with reserpine data from the remaining three trials. This is because Rauwiloid is a different alkaloid extract of the plant Rauwolfia serpentina, and the dose used is not comparable to reserpine. None of the included trials reported withdrawals due to adverse effects.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Reserpine is effective in reducing SBP roughly to the same degree as other first-line antihypertensive drugs. However, we could not make definite conclusions regarding the dose-response pattern because of the small number of included trials. More RCTs are needed to assess the effects of reserpine on blood pressure and to determine the dose-related safety profile before the role of this drug in the treatment of primary hypertension can be established.
Topics: Antihypertensive Agents; Blood Pressure; Heart Rate; Humans; Hypertension; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rauwolfia; Reserpine
PubMed: 27997978
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007655.pub3 -
PloS One 2024Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Heart rate variability (HRV) represents the modulatory capacity of the autonomous... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Heart rate variability (HRV) represents the modulatory capacity of the autonomous nervous system and influences mortality. By surveying this meta-analysis, we investigated the impact of physical activity on HRV.
METHODS
Databases, online journal libraries and clinical trial registries were searched for publications of randomized controlled and non-randomized controlled trials concerning adults with coronary artery disease (CAD)/ischemic heart disease (IHD), congestive heart failure (CHF), peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) joining an intervention group with physical activity or a control group with usual care or no intervention. Extracted time-domain and frequency-domain parameter of HRV were analyzed in a meta-analysis using a random effect model. Subgroup analyses concerning intervention type, study design and type of heart disease and sensitivity analysis were performed.
RESULTS
Significant results were obtained for RR-Interval (p = 0.05) and standard deviation of Normal-to-Normal intervals (SDNN) (p = 0.01) for short-term assessment and for the ratio of low-frequency power (LF) to high-frequency power (HF) (p = 0.05) for 24-hour assessment. Subgroup analyses also resulted significant: root-mean-square difference of successive normal R-R intervals (RMSSD) (p = 0.01), SDNN (p = 0.02) and HF (p < 0.01) concerning CHF.
CONCLUSION
We were able to demonstrate the positive impact of physical activity on HRV, especially in patients with CHF. Cardiac rehabilitation exercise programs need to be individualized to identify the most beneficial method of training for improving the prognosis of patients with CVD.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Heart Rate; Coronary Artery Disease; Myocardial Ischemia; Heart Failure; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38578755
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299793 -
Journal of Affective Disorders Aug 2020Emerging literature suggests that the arousal and regulatory systems as measured by sleep-wakefulness, heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) may be powerful... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Emerging literature suggests that the arousal and regulatory systems as measured by sleep-wakefulness, heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) may be powerful objective warning signs of suicidality. However, there is no systematic literature review examining the association between objective measurements of these variables with suicide and suicidal behavior.
METHODS
A web-based, systematic literature search using PubMed and EMBASE was conducted for articles that measured sleep-wakefulness and HR/HRV quantitatively in association with suicide. Search results were limited to human subjects and articles published in peer-reviewed journals in English. There were no restrictions for age, sex, settings and durations of measurements, types of mental illnesses, or comorbidity.
RESULTS
Twenty-three studies were included in the current systematic review. Across the studies, consistent patterns of disturbed sleep-wakefulness such as greater sleep onset latency and lower sleep efficiency were related to suicide. In addition, higher HR and lower variance of R-R intervals was an indicator of risk of suicide.
LIMITATIONS
Studies that used different equipment for sleep studies (i.e., polysomnography, electroencephalogram, actigraphy) were combined, and potential differences in their findings due to the different equipment were not considered.
CONCLUSIONS
Findings provide initial evidence for consistent patterns of sleep-wakefulness and HR/HRV possibly associated with suicidality; however, more studies are needed in order to identify the precise objective variables (e.g., sleep onset latency, high-frequency HRV), as well as time-varying patterns in these variables, that are related to acute suicide risk.
Topics: Exercise; Heart Rate; Humans; Sleep; Suicide; Wakefulness
PubMed: 32421619
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.03.096 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2017Atrial fibrillation is the commonest cardiac dysrhythmia. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. There are two approaches to the management of atrial... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Atrial fibrillation is the commonest cardiac dysrhythmia. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. There are two approaches to the management of atrial fibrillation: controlling the ventricular rate or converting to sinus rhythm in the expectation that this would abolish its adverse effects.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of pharmacological cardioversion of atrial fibrillation in adults on the annual risk of stroke, peripheral embolism, and mortality.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (Issue 3, 2002), MEDLINE (2000 to 2002), EMBASE (1998 to 2002), CINAHL (1982 to 2002), Web of Science (1981 to 2002). We hand searched the following journals: Circulation (1997 to 2002), Heart (1997 to 2002), European Heart Journal (1997-2002), Journal of the American College of Cardiology (1997-2002) and selected abstracts published on the web site of the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology (2001, 2002).
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials or controlled clinical trials of pharmacological cardioversion versus rate control in adults (>18 years) with acute, paroxysmal or sustained atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, of any duration and of any aetiology.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
One reviewer applied the inclusion criteria and extracted the data. Trial quality was assessed and the data were entered into RevMan.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified two completed studies AFFIRM (n=4060) and PIAF (n=252). We found no difference in mortality between rhythm control and rate control relative risk 1.14 (95% confidence interval 1.00 to 1.31).Both studies show significantly higher rates of hospitalisation and adverse events in the rhythm control group and no difference in quality of life between the two treatment groups.In AFFIRM there was a similar incidence of ischaemic stroke, bleeding and systemic embolism in the two groups. Certain malignant dysrhythmias were significantly more likely to occur in the rhythm control group. There were similar scores of cognitive assessment.In PIAF, cardioverted patients enjoyed an improved exercise tolerance but there was no overall benefit in terms of symptom control or quality of life.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is no evidence that pharmacological cardioversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm is superior to rate control. Rhythm control is associated with more adverse effects and increased hospitalisation. It does not reduce the risk of stroke. The conclusions cannot be generalised to all people with atrial fibrillation. Most of the patients included in these studies were relatively older (>60 years) with significant cardiovascular risk factors.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Atrial Fibrillation; Atrial Flutter; Heart Rate; Humans; Middle Aged; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 29140557
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003713.pub3 -
JMIR MHealth and UHealth Apr 2022Although it is widely recognized that physical activity is an important determinant of health, assessing this complex behavior is a considerable challenge. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Although it is widely recognized that physical activity is an important determinant of health, assessing this complex behavior is a considerable challenge.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to examine, quantify, and report the current state of evidence for the validity of energy expenditure, heart rate, and steps measured by recent combined-sensing Fitbits.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and Bland-Altman meta-analysis of validation studies of combined-sensing Fitbits against reference measures of energy expenditure, heart rate, and steps.
RESULTS
A total of 52 studies were included in the systematic review. Among the 52 studies, 41 (79%) were included in the meta-analysis, representing 203 individual comparisons between Fitbit devices and a criterion measure (ie, n=117, 57.6% for heart rate; n=49, 24.1% for energy expenditure; and n=37, 18.2% for steps). Overall, most authors of the included studies concluded that recent Fitbit models underestimate heart rate, energy expenditure, and steps compared with criterion measures. These independent conclusions aligned with the results of the pooled meta-analyses showing an average underestimation of -2.99 beats per minute (k comparison=74), -2.77 kcal per minute (k comparison=29), and -3.11 steps per minute (k comparison=19), respectively, of the Fitbit compared with the criterion measure (results obtained after removing the high risk of bias studies; population limit of agreements for heart rate, energy expenditure, and steps: -23.99 to 18.01, -12.75 to 7.41, and -13.07 to 6.86, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
Fitbit devices are likely to underestimate heart rate, energy expenditure, and steps. The estimation of these measurements varied by the quality of the study, age of the participants, type of activities, and the model of Fitbit. The qualitative conclusions of most studies aligned with the results of the meta-analysis. Although the expected level of accuracy might vary from one context to another, this underestimation can be acceptable, on average, for steps and heart rate. However, the measurement of energy expenditure may be inaccurate for some research purposes.
Topics: Accelerometry; Energy Metabolism; Exercise; Fitness Trackers; Heart Rate; Humans
PubMed: 35416777
DOI: 10.2196/35626 -
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) Jul 2023Heat adaptation regimes are used to prepare athletes for exercise in hot conditions to limit a decrement in exercise performance. However, the heat adaptation literature... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Heat adaptation regimes are used to prepare athletes for exercise in hot conditions to limit a decrement in exercise performance. However, the heat adaptation literature mostly focuses on males, and consequently, current heat adaptation guidelines may not be optimal for females when accounting for the biological and phenotypical differences between sexes.
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to examine: (1) the effects of heat adaptation on physiological adaptations in females; (2) the impact of heat adaptation on performance test outcomes in the heat; and (3) the impact of various moderators, including duration (minutes and/or days), total heat dose (°Cmin), exercise intensity (kcalmin), total energy expended (kcal), frequency of heat exposures and training status on the physiological adaptations in the heat.
METHODS
SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE Complete and Embase databases were searched to December 2022. Random-effects meta-analyses for resting and exercise core temperature, skin temperature, heart rate, sweat rate, plasma volume and performance tests in the heat were completed using Stata Statistical Software: Release 17. Sub-group meta-analyses were performed to explore the effect of duration, total heat dose, exercise intensity, total energy expended, frequency of heat exposure and training status on resting and exercise core temperature, skin temperature, heart rate and sweat rate. An explorative meta-regression was conducted to determine the effects of physiological adaptations on performance test outcomes in the heat following heat adaptation.
RESULTS
Thirty studies were included in the systematic review; 22 studies were meta-analysed. After heat adaptation, a reduction in resting core temperature (effect size [ES] = - 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI] - 0.69, - 0.22; p < 0.001), exercise core temperature (ES = - 0.81; 95% CI - 1.01, - 0.60; p < 0.001), skin temperature (ES = - 0.64; 95% CI - 0.79, - 0.48; p < 0.001), heart rate (ES = - 0.60; 95% CI - 0.74, - 0.45; p < 0.001) and an increase in sweat rate (ES = 0.53; 95% CI 0.21, 0.85; p = 0.001) were identified in females. There was no change in plasma volume (ES = - 0.03; 95% CI - 0.31, 0.25; p = 0.835), whilst performance test outcomes were improved following heat adaptation (ES = 1.00; 95% CI 0.56, 1.45; p < 0.001). Across all moderators, physiological adaptations were more consistently observed following durations of 451-900 min and/or 8-14 days, exercise intensity ≥ 3.5 kcalmin, total energy expended ≥ 3038 kcal, consecutive (daily) frequency and total heat dose ≥ 23,000 °Cmin. The magnitude of change in performance test outcomes in the heat was associated with a reduction in heart rate following heat adaptation (standardised mean difference = - 10 beatsmin; 95% CI - 19, - 1; p = 0.031).
CONCLUSIONS
Heat adaptation regimes induce physiological adaptations beneficial to thermoregulation and performance test outcomes in the heat in females. Sport coaches and applied sport practitioners can utilise the framework developed in this review to design and implement heat adaptation strategies for females.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Hot Temperature; Thermotolerance; Adaptation, Physiological; Exercise; Body Temperature Regulation
PubMed: 37222863
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-023-01831-2 -
PloS One 2022Hypothyroidism may be associated with changes in the autonomic regulation of the cardiovascular system, which may have clinical implications. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Hypothyroidism may be associated with changes in the autonomic regulation of the cardiovascular system, which may have clinical implications.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the impact of hypothyroidism on HRV.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
PubMed, Cochrane, Embase and Google Scholar were searched until 20 August 2021 for articles reporting HRV parameters in untreated hypothyroidism and healthy controls. Random-effects meta-analysis were stratified by degree of hypothyroidism for each HRV parameters: RR intervals (or normal to normal-NN intervals), SDNN (standard deviation of RR intervals), RMSSD (square root of the mean difference of successive RR intervals), pNN50 (percentage of RR intervals with >50ms variation), total power (TP), LFnu (low-frequency normalized unit), HFnu (high-frequency), VLF (very low frequency), and LF/HF ratio.
RESULTS
We included 17 studies with 11438 patients: 1163 hypothyroid patients and 10275 healthy controls. There was a decrease in SDNN (effect size = -1.27, 95% CI -1.72 to -0.83), RMSSD (-1.66, -2.32 to -1.00), pNN50 (-1.41, -1.98 to -0.84), TP (-1.55, -2.1 to -1.00), HFnu (-1.21, -1.78 to -0.63) with an increase in LFnu (1.14, 0.63 to 1.66) and LF/HF ratio (1.26, 0.71 to 1.81) (p <0.001). HRV alteration increased with severity of hypothyroidism.
CONCLUSIONS
Hypothyroidism is associated with a decreased HRV, that may be explained by molecular mechanisms involving catecholamines and by the effect of TSH on HRV. The increased sympathetic and decreased parasympathetic activity may have clinical implications.
Topics: Autonomic Nervous System; Cardiovascular System; Heart Rate; Humans; Hypothyroidism
PubMed: 35657799
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269277 -
Psychosomatic Medicine Jan 2015Ethnic disparities in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are widely documented in the literature. Recently, research has shown that decreased parasympathetic cardiac... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Ethnic disparities in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are widely documented in the literature. Recently, research has shown that decreased parasympathetic cardiac modulation is associated with the established and emerging risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke. In consideration of the disproportionate CVD risk and disease profile of African Americans (AAs), it is plausible that decreased cardiac parasympathetic functioning may partially explain these disparities. In the present systematic review and meta-analysis, we assess the available evidence for a reliable ethnic difference in tonic vagally mediated heart rate variability (HRV), an indicator of parasympathetic cardiac modulation.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted yielding studies comparing tonic HRV in AAs and European Americans. Adjusted standardized effect sizes (Hedges g) were calculated using a mixed-effects model, with restricted maximum likelihood estimation for 17 studies containing appropriate measures of vagally mediated HRV.
RESULTS
Meta-analysis results suggest that AAs have greater HRV than do European Americans (Hedges g = 0.93, 95% confidence interval = 0.25-1.62), even after consideration of several covariates including health status, medication use, and subgroup stratification by sex and age.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that decreased vagally mediated HRV is not likely to account for the persistent health disparities experienced by AAs with respect to CVD risk and burden. These disparities underscore the need for continued research addressing socioethnic cardiovascular differences and the biobehavioral mechanisms involved.
Topics: Black or African American; Cardiovascular Diseases; Ethnicity; Heart Rate; Humans; Risk Factors; White People
PubMed: 25551201
DOI: 10.1097/PSY.0000000000000133