[Heart rate variability as a method of assessing the autonomic nervous system in polycystic ovary syndrome]

Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2013 Sep;35(9):421-6. doi: 10.1590/s0100-72032013000900007.
[Article in Portuguese]

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder associated with several cardiometabolic risk factors, such as central obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and hypertension. These factors are associated with adrenergic overactivity, which is an important prognostic factor for the development of cardiovascular disorders. Given the common cardiometabolic disturbances occurring in PCOS women, over the last years studies have investigated the cardiac autonomic control of these patients, mainly based on heart rate variability (HRV). Thus, in this review, we will discuss the recent findings of the studies that investigated the HRV of women with PCOS, as well as noninvasive methods of analysis of autonomic control starting from basic indexes related to this methodology.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autonomic Nervous System / physiopathology*
  • Diagnostic Techniques, Neurological
  • Female
  • Heart Rate*
  • Humans
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / physiopathology*