Relationships between oriental medical pattern diagnosis and cardiovascular autonomic function

BackgroundAutonomic nervous system (ANS) theory has similarities to holism in Oriental medicine (OM). The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between OM pattern diagnosis and autonomic nervous function estimated by heart rate variability (HRV) parameters.MethodsTwo hundred and eighty-seven female patients ranging in age from 15 to 74 years (mean = 36.1 ± 10.1 years) were classified into five gynecological problem groups according to their: menstrual dysfunction, infertility, climacteric syndrome, post-operative, and post-labor management groups. They were asked to complete Yin Deficiency (YD), Phlegm pattern, and Cold-Heat questionnaires. Together with the pattern questionnaires, time domain (SDNN, and RMSSD), frequency domain (VLF, LF, HF, TP, and LF/HF), and nonlinear (ApEn) parameters of HRV were calculated using 5 min-ECG recordings.ResultsThe Phlegm and Cold pattern scores had weak negative correlations with TP, LF, and HF in the menstrual dysfunction group. The Cold and Heat pattern scores had medium negative correlations with RMSSD, LF, and HF in the climacteric syndrome group. YD, Cold, and Heat pattern scores had medium negative correlations with ApEn in the post-operative management group. No relationships were seen between pathological patterns and HRV parameters in the infertility and post-labor management groups.ConclusionsPhlegm, Cold, Heat and YD patterns should be more carefully considered in the treatment of gynecological problems in order to avoid increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and depressive disorder in patients with menstrual dysfunction, climacteric syndrome, and post-operative management groups.