Aims: To assess whether analysis of heart rate variability(HRV) from 24 h Holter recordings provides information about the mode of death(pump failure vs. sudden death) in chronic heart failure(CHF). Methods and results: We analysed 24 h HRV in 330 consecutive CHF patients in sinus rhythm. Indices derived from time domain, spectral domain, and fractal analyses of 24 h automatic HRV were evaluated. Data from clinical assessment, echocardiography, right heart catheterization, exercise test, blood biochemical examination, and arrhythmia pattern were analysed. Patients were followed up for 3 years. Two simple multivariable models, both including 24 h spectral indices, were able to identify patients at higher risk of progressive pump failure and sudden death, respectively. Depressed power of night- time HRV(≤ 509 ms2) below 0.04 Hz[very low frequency(VLF)], high pulmonary wedge pressure(PWP ≥ 18 mm Hg) and low left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF ≤ 24% ) were independently related to death for progressive pump failure, while the reduction of power between 0.04 and 0.15 Hz at night(LF ≤ 20 ms2) and increased left ventricular end- systolic diameter(LVESD ≥ 61 mm) were linked to sudden mortality. Conclusion: Automatic spectral analysis of 24 h HRV provides independent risk indices related to mode of death in sinus rhythm CHF patients.
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