COMPARISON OF HEART RATE VARIABILITY BETWEEN KIDNEY TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS AND HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS

Abstract

Introduction: Kidney transplantation is the best therapeutic option for patients with advanced stage chronic kidney disease, but even after the procedure, these individuals may present autonomic and cardiovascular dysfunctions. Heart rate variability (HRV) is an indicator of autonomic balance, which if reduced provides a higher risk of cardiovascular complications. Therefore, understanding HRV in these patients can help identify risks and target interventions. Methods: This is a cross-sectional and quantitative study that included kidney transplant recipients (n=11) and healthy individuals (n=7), aged between 18 and 59 years and of both biological genders. Data on HRV at rest were collected with a Polar H7® cardiofrequency meter and analyzed according to international guidelines in cardiology. Results: The groups did not show significant differences in anthropometric data, in relation to the transplanted group there was a difference in transplant time. HRV indices showed slightly higher values in the transplanted group, suggesting that, regardless of the transplant time, autonomic balance can be restored. Conclusion: The autonomic behavior of renal transplant recipients may be similar to that of healthy individuals with no history of transplantation, and further studies with larger samples are needed to understand the cause-and-effect relationships.