Consecutive changes of R-R interval variation on ECG after abstinence in male alcoholics
Yokoyama, A.; Takagi, T.; Akai, J.; Hayashi, E.; Muramatsu, T.; Maruyama, K.; Eboshida, A.; Takagi, S.; Kono, H.
Arukoru Kenkyu to Yakubutsu Izon 24(1): 36-42
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0389-4118 PMID: 2751485 Document Number: 326998
Heart rate variation were studied in 37 male alcoholics (age: 46.0 +/- 7.4 years old, duration of habitual drinking: 23 +/- 8 years.) who were admitted in Kurihama National Hospital within 48 hours of last drinking. The coefficient of variation (CV value = (standard deviation/mean R-R interval) X 100) of 100 successive R-R intervals in ECG during supine resting position was measured consecutively on admission, 7th, and 30th hospital day. The CV values on admission (2.50 +/- 0.81) and on 7th day (2.60 +/- 0.87) were significantly lower than those on 30th day (3.41 +/- 1.06, p less than 0.001). In 10 alcoholics, CV values were also measured on 60th day (3.32 +/- 1.18), which were not significantly different from that on 30th day (3.17 +/- 1.18). The ratio of CV to standard prediction value (CV/(-0.066 X age + 6.480)) were 0.67 +/- 0.24, 0.68 +/- 0.21 and 0.90 +/- 0.28 on admission, 7th and 30th day, respectively. The ratio on admission and on 7th day were significantly lower than those on 30th day (p less than 0.001). These findings are suggesting that the disturbance of heart rate variation in alcoholics is reflecting the deterioration of autonomic nervous system on alcohol withdrawal stage.