Cardiovascular autonomic regulation in asthmatic children evidenced by spectral analysis of heart rate and blood pressure variability

The objective of the study was to investigate the features of cardiovascular and respiratory autonomic nervous regulation in asthmatic and control children. Cardiorespiratory reactivity was studied by continuous and non-invasive recording of the electrocardiogram, finger systolic arterial pressure (SAP) and flow-volume spirometry in supine and upright positions and during a deep breathing test in 19 children with bronchial asthma and 10 healthy control children (age 8-11 years). The periodic variability components of R-R intervals (the time between successive heart beats) and SAP in relation to respiration were assessed using spectral analysis techniques. Nine asthmatic children without beta(2)-agonist medication had a lower respiratory rate and larger high frequency (HF) variability of SAP than the controls, and 10 asthmatic children with beta(2)-agonist medication had greater low-frequency (LF) variability of SAP and LF/HF ratio of R-R intervals, but their respiratory rate did not differ from the controls. No intergroup differences were found in the postural change of variables. Stable bronchial asthma appears to increase respiratory-induced alterations in systolic blood pressure in children. Beta(2)-agonist medication, on the other hand, increases sympathetic cardiovascular activity in children with asthma.