Pulse rate variability: A new biomarker, not a surrogate for heart rate variability

58Citations
Citations of this article
111Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

With the popularization of pulse wave signals by the spread of wearable watch devices incorporating photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors, many studies are reporting the accuracy of pulse rate variability (PRV) as a surrogate of heart rate variability (HRV). However, the authors are concerned about their research paradigm based on the assumption that PRV is a biomarker that reflects the same biological properties as HRV. Because PPG pulse wave and ECG R wave both reflect the periodic beating of the heart, pulse rate and heart rate should be equal, but it does not guarantee that the respective variabilities are also the same. The process from ECG R wave to PPG pulse wave involves several transformation steps of physical properties, such as those of electromechanical coupling and conversions from force to volume, volume to pressure, pressure impulse to wave, pressure wave to volume, volume to light intensity. In fact, there is concreate evidence that shows discrepancy between PRV and HRV, such as that demonstrating the presence of PRV in the absence of HRV, differences in PRV with measurement sites, differing effects of body posture and exercise between them. Our observations in adult patients with an implanted cardiac pacemaker also indicate that fluctuations in R-R intervals, pulse transit time, pulse intervals are modulated differently by autonomic functions, respiration, other factors. The authors suggest that it is more appropriate to recognize PRV as a different biomarker than HRV. Although HRV is a major determinant of PRV, PRV is caused by many other sources of variability, which could contain useful biomedical information that is neither error nor noise.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Yuda, E., Shibata, M., Ogata, Y., Ueda, N., Yambe, T., Yoshizawa, M., & Hayano, J. (2020, August 18). Pulse rate variability: A new biomarker, not a surrogate for heart rate variability. Journal of Physiological Anthropology. BioMed Central Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40101-020-00233-x

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free