Heart rate variability index in congestive heart failure: relation to clinical variables and prognosis.

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Abstract
Aim To evaluate the clinical and prognostic value of the heart rate variability index in patients with congestive heart failure. Methods Sixty-four patients with chronic congestive heart failure and sinus rhythm underwent clinical assessment, 24-h ambulatory electrocardiography and echocardio-graphy. Patients were followed for 6 to 30 months. Cardiac death or heart transplantation constituted the primary end-point of the study. Results The heart rate variability index was related to left ventricular ejection fraction (r=0·29,P=0·02) and New York Heart Association class (P=0·01). Patients with a restrictive left ventricular filling pattern had a lower heart rate variability index compared to patients with a non-restrictive pattern (26±11 vs 33±9 units,P=0·01). Patients who died (n=11) or underwent heart transplantation (n=4) had a lower heart rate variability index compared to survivors (21±10 vs 33±9 units,PThe European Society of Cardiology

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