Linear and nonlinear heart rate dynamics in elderly inpatients. Relations with comorbidity and depression

Background. Hospitalization processes are known to increase depressive symptoms arising among elderly population. Meanwhile, dysregulation of cardiac autonomic function has been suggested to link depression and cardiovascular mortality. In this context, analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) is emerging as a powerful mortality risk stratifier clinical tool. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship among HRV, depression, and comorbidity risk among an elderly inpatient population. Material and methods. Twenty-six subjects (aged 78±9 years) were recruited from the Short- Term Stay Unit at the Hospital General de Alicante. Before joining a Physical Activity Program aimed to pr…