針對平均8歲兒童比較分析,歐裔白種之HRV(白天及晚上)較南亞黃種高,原因可能是歐裔的體能活動較高,體脂肪及心跳較低
Ethnicity and long-term heart rate variability in children.
Arch Dis Child. 2013; 98(4):292-8 (ISSN: 1468-2044)
Eyre EL; Fisher JP; Smith EC; Wagenmakers AJ; Matyka KA
Division of Metabolic and Vascular Health, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University Hospital, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK.

BACKGROUND: Low heart rate variability (HRV) is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. South Asians are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

METHODS: This cross-sectional, observational study compared long-term HRV between South Asian and White European (EU) children. 155 children (92 White EU, 63 South Asian) aged 8±1 years wore a combined heart rate and activity monitor for 7 days. From 24-h beat-to-beat heart rate recordings, long-term HRV was calculated as the SD of the average RR intervals in each 5 min period (SDANN). Physical activity, daily energy expenditure, percentage body fat and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) were calculated using published or commercial algorithms.

RESULTS: SDANN was significantly lower during the 24-h period in South Asian compared with White EU children (113±27 vs 130±28 ms, p<0.01, mean±SD) and during sleep (44±12 vs 54±16 ms, p<0.01, mean±SD). Ethnic differences in HRV were associated with lower levels of physical activity, daily energy expenditure, VO2max, and higher percentage body fat and resting heart rate, in South Asian children. Ethnic differences in HRV persisted despite statistical adjustment for these factors. SDANN was significantly lower in girls, but sex differences were no longer apparent when VO2max, physical activity and energy expenditure were statistically controlled for.

CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm that South Asian children have lower HRV and reveal the novel information that the reduction is partially independent of physical activity and aerobic fitness.