Is there an effect of inhaled steroid treatment on heart rate?

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of inhaled steroids on the heart rate variability in pediatric patients with asthma. Materials and Methods: The study included 17 pediatric patients with asthma using inhaled steroids and a control group of 17 healthy, age- and gender-matched children. A 24-hour Holter monitor was applied and the time domain and frequency domain parameters of heart rate variability were examined. The values were obtained for night, day, and a 24 hour cycle. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between asthmatic children treated with inhaled steroids and the control group in regards to night, day, and whole day values of the time and frequency domain parameters of heart rate variability. Conclusion: There was no change in the variability of heart rate of pediatric asthma patients with symptoms under control by inhaled steroids.