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. 2021 Oct;8(2):e001835.
doi: 10.1136/openhrt-2021-001835.

Impaired autonomic function after incomplete revascularisation

Richard Armstrong  1 , Peter Wheen  2 , Lisa Brandon  2 , Ciarán Finucane  3 , Rose Anne Kenny  3 , Andrew Maree  2
Affiliations

Impaired autonomic function after incomplete revascularisation

Richard Armstrong et al. Open Heart. 2021 Oct.

Abstract

Introduction: Incomplete cardiac revascularisation (ICR) assessed by residual SYNTAX score (rSs) is associated with increased 5-year mortality. Furthermore, in the general population, our group has demonstrated that impaired autonomic function determined by heart rate recovery time between 10 and 20 s (HRR10-20) following an active stand is associated with increased all-cause mortality.

Purpose: We hypothesised that ICR would be associated with impaired autonomic function determined by HRR10-20.

Methods: After ethical approval and informed consent, consecutive patients attending cardiac rehabilitation in a tertiary referral centre were enrolled. All patients had percutaneous coronary revascularisation. During an active stand, real-time heart rate, blood pressure and ECG recordings were taken using non-invasive digital photoplethysmography and HRR10-20 determined. Assessment of autonomic function was performed by determining speed of HRR10-20 post-orthostatic challenge.Patients with an rSs >0 were considered incompletely revascularised and those with an rSs of 0 fully revascularised. Demographic data were recorded and statistical analysis performed.

Results: Patients (n=53) comprised those with complete revascularisation (CR) (n=37) and ICR (n=16). In the ICR group, mean rSs was 9.4.HRR10-20 was impaired in the ICR group (-3±0.60) compared with the CR cohort (-6.56±0.52) (p<0.0001). Completeness of revascularisation was strongly associated with HRR10-20 (Pearson's correlation coefficient 0.529; p<0.0001). Baseline demographics did not differ significantly. Use of rate-limiting medication was similar between cohorts (beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, ivabradine).

Conclusions: Our data confirm significant correlation between ICR and impaired autonomic function determined by speed of heart rate recovery. Thus, determining autonomic dysfunction post-ICR may identify those at increased mortality risk.

Keywords: atherosclerosis; coronary stenosis; percutaneous coronary intervention; translational medical research.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: CF is working on an industry partnership grant with Endotronix.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Mean heart rate and systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) values across the stand (including baseline). BP, blood pressure; bpm, beats per minute.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Flow diagram of Participant Recruitment. HRR10–20, heart rate recovery time between 10 and 20 s; rSs, residual SYNTAX score.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Impact of revascularisation status on HRR 10-20. bpm, beats per minute; HRR10–20, heart rate recovery time between 10 and 20 s.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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