Low-dose resveratrol supplementation on heart rate variability in hypertensive volunteers: a controlled double-blind trial

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Hypertension decreases the heart rate variability (HRV). Resveratrol, a phenolic compound found in grapes and their products, has been explored for its potential to treat hypertension. We evaluated the effects of low-dose resveratrol on HRV in hypertensive volunteers. METHOD: Twenty-one hypertensive volunteers of both sexes were supplemented with resveratrol (n = 11) or placebo (n = 10) for 30 days. HRV parameters were measured before and during a standardized treadmill exercise. One resveratrol- and 3 placebo-treated patients were lost to follow-up. RESULTS: There were no anthropometric differences between resveratrol (n = 10) and placebo (n = 7) other than a difference in body mass index. The measured HRV parameters did not differ between resveratrol and placebo, or between control and treadmill exercise. CONCLUSION: Low-dose resveratrol did not alter HRV in hypertensive patients.