cardiophobic?

Posted by Nik on June 22, 1999 at 12:10:50
Hello, maybe this is a silly question, but is it normal,
that my heart rate increases when I take a deep breath, and slows
down when I blow it all out slowly?
2) I'm a stress-full person, and I have PVC's, and docters said to me
   I shouldn't worry, but why do I often read that one of the stress
   symptoms are heart disease?
thx

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on June 22, 1999 at 13:01:28
Dear Lisa,
Thank you for your question.  You have observed what is called heart rate variability (HRV) and this is a normal function of the heart.  This was first recorded by the Chinese in about 1000 BC so you are not first one to make this observation.  HRV is due to a complex interaction of the autonomic nervous system, blood return to the heart and the effects of breathing.  Studies have demonstrated that an increased HRV is a marker for decreased mortality.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.  Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.  The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.
Posted by Ann on June 22, 1999 at 14:46:42
To the doctor.......you said in your reply that this HRV was a normal function of the heart. You then went on to say that an increased HRV is a marker for decreased morality. Which is true? Is HRV normal - or a bad sign!
Please reply as I have the same condition.

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on June 22, 1999 at 17:11:21
To clarify - everyone has HRV it is just a matter of how much one has.  More HRV is good, less HRV is bad.
I hope you find this information useful. Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only. Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.