Lower Heart Rate Variability Is Associated with Lower Pulse Pressure Amplification: Role of Obesity

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Heart rate variability (HRV), pulse pressure amplification, and obesity represent risk factors for cardiovascular events. The aims of the present study are (1) to explore the impact of HRV on pulse pressure amplification and (2) to investigate whether the association between HRV and pulse pressure amplification differs in obese and lean subjects. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A total of 342 patients (age 61 ± 11 years) were enrolled. HRV was analyzed concerning both the frequency and time domain as well as concerning the HRV triangular index. Pulse pressure amplification was estimated as the ratio between brachial and carotid pulse pressure, the latter measured with SphygmoCor. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Time domain HRV indices were directly correlated with pulse pressure amplification (the lower the HRV indices, the lower the pulse pressure amplification). This association was stronger in obese than in lean subjects after controlling for age and sex. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Larger controlled studies are needed to provide a more detailed insight into the relation between HRV and pulse pressure amplification and to determine which pathways are differentially activated in lean and obese subjects.