Can heart rate spectral analysis be used to quantify autonomic nervous system activity in humans?
Heart rate spectral analysis is a powerful noninvasive tool for quantifying autonomic nervous system activity.
Spectral analysis of spontaneous heart rate fluctuations were assessed by use of autonomic blocking agents and changes in posture. Low-frequency fluctuations (below 0.12 Hz) in the supine position are mediated entirely by the parasympathetic nervous system. On standing, the low-frequency fluctuations increase and are jointly mediated by the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. High-frequency fluctuations, at the respiratory frequency, are decreased by standing and are mediated solely by the parasympathetic system. Heart rate spectral analysis is a powerful noninvasive tool for quantifying autonomic nervous system activity.
Pomeranz et al. (Tue,) studied this question.