A simple model for 1/f spectra in heart rate variability

James P. Gleeson, Aneta Stefanovska

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Heart rate variability (HRV) measures cycle-to-cycle correlations in the instantaneous oscillation period of the heart. In this paper it is shown that a simple model process, consisting of a sum of uncoupled sinusoidal oscillators with slightly different frequencies, has a HRV spectrum with a 1/f scaling over a range of frequencies. This implies that the appearance of 1// HRV spectra in experiments should not be considered evidence of oscillator coupling or other more complex dynamics. The origin of the 1/f scaling in the model is examined analytically, and its dependence upon the sampling of low-amplitude fluctuations of the process is highlighted.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationNoise and Fluctuations in Biological, Biophysical, and Biomedical Systems
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2007
Externally publishedYes
EventNoise and Fluctuations in Biological, Biophysical, and Biomedical Systems - Florence, Italy
Duration: 21 May 200723 May 2007

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume6602
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Conference

ConferenceNoise and Fluctuations in Biological, Biophysical, and Biomedical Systems
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityFlorence
Period21/05/0723/05/07

Keywords

  • 1/f spectrum
  • Heart rate variability
  • Oscillator jitter

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A simple model for 1/f spectra in heart rate variability'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this