Autonomic heart rate control and regional vascular reactions

Rheovasographic parameters (the thigh region) were recorded in groups of subjects with high and low heart rate variability (HRV). Correlation between the rheovasographic parameters and the sympathetic-parasympathetic balance value (LF/HF) was found. It was established that vagosympathetic balance in the first group was interrelated with the parameters of the ascending portion of the rheological wave; in the second group, with the parameters characterizing the blood flow in the microcirculatory bed. Thus, predominance of the autonomic loop of regulation mainly ensures an optimal regional arterial blood flow; the predominance of the central loop of regulation of cardiac activity, an optimal blood flow in microvessels. © MAIK Nauka 2008.