Effects of Chronic Pelvic Pain on Heart Rate Variability in Women

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) and myofascial pelvic pain (MPP) are frequently comorbid chronic pelvic pain disorders. Differences in bladder function between IC/BPS and MPP suggest that efferent autonomic function may differentiate these syndromes. Heart rate variability (HRV), defined as the difference in duration of successive heartbeats, serves as an index of autonomic function by measuring its ability to modify heart rate in response to neurophysiological changes. High frequency HRV (HF-HRV) was used as a reflection of more rapid vagally mediated (parasympathetic) changes, while low frequency HRV (LF-HRV) signified slower fluctuations related to baroreflex and sympathetic outflow.
Source: The Journal of Urology - Category: Urology & Nephrology Authors: Source Type: research