Time and frequency domain analysis of long-term heart rate variability in an experimental model of diet-induced metabolic syndrome

Abstract Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as the set of at least three of the following conditions: central obesity, elevation of triglycerides, decreased in high-density lipoproteins, systemic hypertension and glucose intolerance. MetS is linked with a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease, including sudden cardiac death and atrial arrhythmias, which may be a consequence of changes related to the structure, function and autonomic control of the heart. One of the underlying mechanisms responsible could be the alteration of sinus node automaticity. Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis is a useful non-invasive tool for evaluating alterations in neural control of cardiac au…