Delays in the human heartbeat dynamics

 

This paper explores the possibility of applying statistical nonlinear physics methods to elucidate the underlying mechanisms controlling the heart rate. In particular, the presence of delays in RR interval dynamics is studied by using a lagged detrended fluctuation analysis. The results indicate that patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) have a prolonged time delay in the baroreflex response. Some implications of large delays for the functioning of autonomic control in subjects with CHF are discussed. ©2009 American Institute of Physics

 

Chaos 19, 028502 (2009)

DOI:10.1063/1.3152005

Permalink:

http://link.aip.org/link/?CHAOEH/19/028502/1

Published 30 June 2009