Heart rate variability in climacteric women from the perspective of kampo medicine: analysis of heart rate variability under ergometer loading using a short time measurement method

Abstract

One hundred twenty-six physically healthy women aged 45-55 years without organic disease were divided into three groups according to the classifications of Kyo (deficiency), Jitsu (excess), and Chukan (medium) used by the Japan Society of Oriental Medicine (JSOM). Their heart rate variability (HRV) was evaluated by the active tracer measurement method during supine rest, ergometer testing and post-ergometer sitting. There were no significant differences in HRV between rest and ergometer testing among the three groups, but during post ergometer sitting the Kyo group showed a lower HRV (CVRR, SDNN) than the other two groups (p＜0.05). In conclusion, from the standpoint of HRV activity, climacteric women without organic disease in the Kyo group showed lower autonomic recuperative ability.