Scaling of return intervals in heart rate variability and the risk of cardiac death

Abstract

Scaling properties of return intervals of heart rate variability for different disease (cardiac arrest and aortic valve stenosis, 73 pts) are assessed. The scaling exponent is found to depend on the level of risk but its properties are disease dependent. Preliminary results for aortic valve stenosis show that a way to predict the risk of sudden death after surgery may be found.