Heart rate variability as a potential indicator of the risk of heart attack in individuals with anal vector
The cardiovascular system, the rhythmic work of the heart as the main organ providing blood to all tissues, should have the greatest supply of tools for adapting to dynamically changing external conditions. The slightest change in body position, movement, physical or mental stress, even on a minimal scale, forces the work of the heart to rebuild to a new rhythm.
The world in which a person lives is constantly changing. Each next moment becomes a little different, and over time, the speed of change only increases. They occur in minute detail, eluding our awareness. The human body does not exist by itself. Every second he exchanges information with the environment and is entirely dependent on it, on the changes that have occurred. The ability to react quickly and adequately is the key to successful survival and prosperity, both of a global social organism and all its components.
The cardiovascular system, the rhythmic work of the heart as the main organ providing blood to all tissues, should have the greatest supply of tools for adapting to dynamically changing external conditions. The slightest change in body position, movement, physical or mental stress, even on a minimal scale, forces the work of the heart to rebuild to a new rhythm.
By redistributing blood flow, pulse rate, blood pressure, the autonomic part of the nervous system does this automatically, without loading our consciousness. Until recently, the attention of physiologists was not particularly focused on these minor changes, and the consequences of their violations have not been thoroughly studied. Attention was paid only to clinically significant signs that were already clearly visible at the level of sensations. At the same time, there was no such sensitive equipment capable of recording minimal variations in heart rate.
It is extremely important to note that the studies did not take into account the fundamental difference in the physiology of the subjects, the way and speed of their response to environmental challenges. It was considered that there is a certain conditionally wide physiological corridor of the norm, within which various types of reactions can be observed. No precise criteria and features were proposed, by which it would be possible to distinguish types more or less resistant to external stress factors. Now we have the opportunity to do this with the help of the system-vector psychology of Yuri Burlan.
Stress and its consequences
“Studies carried out on hardware and software complexes have confirmed the point of view expressed in recent years that there is not always a clear correspondence between the nature of the complaints of the subjects, the degree of autonomic disorders and structural (morphological) changes in organs and systems. In other words, the concept of a constant ratio of autonomic regulation is not acceptable in all cases. The main provisions of the concept of G. Selye, namely: stress causes direct anatomical damage, stress is a "non-specific reaction of the body to any demand" - have now been largely revised. The basic concept in assessing the psychosomatic state of a person is based on a holistic, "holistic" perception of personality (Mikhailov V. M. Heart rate variability. Experience of practical application of the method,Ivanovo, 2000).
Outdated ideas about the nonspecific response to stress have exhausted themselves with the widespread use of methods for assessing the psychophysiological state, taking into account the indicators of individual sensitivity.
Today we have a tool that allows us to build a bridge between the innate properties of the psyche and some details of the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disorders, for example, the pathogenesis of arrhythmias and myocardial ischemia with a high risk of heart attack. When, with whom, for what reasons, and how does it happen at the morphological level? Is it possible with the help of available examination methods to visually see the first signs of disorders in the mental sphere, which subsequently result in clinically significant morphological changes?
Is it possible to talk about the forecast and risks? What will be the criteria and what should be the starting point? The answers to these questions are already looming. Today, we already have the opportunity to trace a clear connection between the characteristics of a viscous, inert, always unprepared for mental changes and the lack of the necessary plasticity on the part of the cardiovascular system, the loss of its physiological ability to flexibly adjust the rhythm in accordance with changes in the social landscape around us.
The interaction and balance of the organism with the environment is carried out indirectly, through several conditional circuits, each circuit has its own hierarchy and conditional measure of energy costs for functioning. The highest of them is the cerebral cortex, the lowest is the simplest peripheral segmental reflex arcs, inherited by us from mammalian ancestors. Among other things, regulation is carried out by the autonomic division of the nervous system, which consists of the parasympathetic and sympathetic parts. Its fibers penetrate and innervate all vital organs. Quite slow, but no less significant and reliable is the humoral contour (from the Latin humor - liquid) for maintaining balance. This is one of the earliest evolutionary mechanisms for the implementation of interaction with the environment and maintenance of balance through the blood and lymph hormones, mediators, vasoactive substances.
Using vectors as an example
What attracts the attention of those who are at least partially familiar with the properties of people who have anal and cutaneous vectors at the base of their mental (a superficial idea of these vectors is easy to get already on regular free trainings in system-vector psychology)?
In the skin vector, attention is drawn to the amazing adaptability to the rapidly changing conditions of the social landscape. Comparative ease of adaptation to the new, the desire to change sensations and impressions, the flexibility of the mind and body, sometimes a lightning-fast reaction. Laconic, laconic speech, a quick logical mind, capable of finding the most profitable and less energy-consuming solutions, and answering challenges in the most optimal way. Thus, the owner of the properties of the skin vector is ready to overcome the obstacles that arise and is able to derive the maximum benefit from this; the skin's organism is able to achieve a restoration of balance with the world outside in the shortest possible time.
These properties are provided by the special, fast and well-coordinated functioning of all regulation links. In the skin vector, we find the ability to instantly adapt to external changes in the environment, developed over centuries of evolution. The dynamics of internal changes will be maximally complementary to external changes. Alertness to a high degree ensures correct interaction in those areas where a quick and adequate response to an external challenge is required.
At the same time, people with an anal vector are characterized by inertia, rigidity of the psyche, difficult adaptability to any changes, fixation on their past states, a slow, but at the same time, solid type of thinking, inability to make quick decisions, careful thought over the little things and sometimes absolute indecision … A relatively slow metabolism, which, under certain conditions, eventually leads to metabolic disorders. Inclination to irrational behavior: conscious and unconscious attempts to defend against any changes in the surrounding landscape at any cost.
Since ancient times, these people did not have the need to quickly and abruptly respond to suddenly changing environmental conditions, for example, during a hunt or war: according to their specific role, they were and remain logisticians. Nature requires them to solve the corresponding rear circle of problems, and they are far from the passions seething on the "battlefield", where life or death depends on the speed of decision-making.
In both cases, we are talking about the innate properties of different vectors. Cases of mixing of the cutaneous and anal vectors in one person require a more thorough analysis, which is beyond the scope of this article.
Adaptability
Parasympathetic provides accumulation, assimilation of nutrients, recovery, sleep, anabolic processes. It puts the body into an energy-saving mode, in which resources are consumed minimally and sparingly. Sympathetic, on the contrary, is activated in minutes and hours of high activity, when stress hormones adrenaline and norepinephrine are released into the bloodstream, catabolism processes, decay and conversion of nutrients into pure energy are triggered. At this time, we are active, ready for decisive action, we have enough resources for this, which were very quickly and adequately mobilized in response to the demands of the environment.
It is worth emphasizing the factor of adequate mobilization of resources: the body adapts in accordance with the request of the changed external environment, no more and no less than necessary. Blood pressure rises, metabolism increases, hormones are released, which mobilize fast stores of glycogen in the liver and drive glucose - the main source of energy for cells - inside, through the bilipid membrane, the heart rate increases, the volume of nutrients delivered to the cells per unit of time increases. Due to vasoconstriction, the pressure gradient increases, due to which a more intensive exchange of substances between the capillaries and the tissue occurs.
As mentioned above, depending on the human vectors, the body has greater or lesser ability to adapt to external conditions. The properties of the vector, respectively, cause the predominance of the influence of the parasympathetic or sympathetic nervous system.
The ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions plays an important role in the functioning of the cardiovascular system. For the hardware assessment of this ability to adapt, the method of studying heart rate variability has long been used. The time between two contractions of the heart muscle is not always absolutely identical.
Rhythms
The intervals R 1, R 2, R 3, as a rule, are not equal. The difference is in milliseconds. Here we are not talking about clinically pronounced arrhythmias, loss of expected contractions or extraordinary systoles. The heart rate, the rate of its change, the consistency of cardiac activity with the rhythm of respiration, the dynamics of these indicators carries a large layer of information, which became more accessible when the possibility of fast computer processing of large data arrays appeared.
Figure: 1. Intervals of heart contractions R – R.
The rhythm is set by special cells of the sinus node located in the right atrium (pacemaker, first-order pacemakers). In them, an action potential is spontaneously generated and, spreading to the heart muscle, makes it contract regularly from the 6th month of intrauterine fetal development until death. At the same time, they are ready to accept external influences from all regulatory cascades.
So, our heartbeat increases in moments of strong experiences and emotions - indirectly, through the brain, our anxious thoughts affect cardiovascular activity, the autonomic part of the nervous system, regardless of our will, enhances or weakens cardiac output, the frequency and volume of blood circulating per unit time. In addition, the hormonal background also has a long-term effect on cardiac activity - depending on the concentration of vasoactive substances in the blood.
Here it is necessary to avoid a linear understanding of the dependence of the work of the cardiovascular system on the influence of environmental changes. Here we are talking about mathematically reliable indicators: methods of time analysis (statistical and geometric methods, the calculation of the triangular index, which is widespread in Western clinics), variation pulsometry according to R. M. Baevsky, spectral analysis (Fourier transform), wave transformation of heart rate variability with allocation of power in the range of these frequencies.
The calculation of the autonomic equilibrium index (IVR), the index of the adequacy of regulation processes (PAPR) and, of course, the index of the tension of regulatory systems (SI) has long since entered into practice and won authority as a method of preclinical assessment and prognosis of cardiovascular diseases. The latter two are seen as the most informative ways to identify subcompensated stress that occurs in individuals with an anal vector.
Visual assessment of the histogram already gives a general idea of heart rate variability. The abscissa shows the R – R intervals, and the ordinate shows the number of registered measurements.
Figure: 2. On the left is an example of a normal histogram, on the right - an excessive type, characterized by a very narrow base and a pointed apex, recorded in stress (Heart rate variability. Practical experience. Mikhailov VM, Ivanovo, 2000).
Another example of a visual assessment of heart rate variability is a scatterogram. Along the abscissa the intervals R – R n, along the ordinate R – R n + 1. You can see an ellipsoidal field filled with points with measurements. The calculation of the area covered by the field is also used for the assessment.
Figure: 3 Scaterogram (Method of research of heart rate variability. New perspectives of wave transformation of biomedical signals. Cherniy V. I., Kostenko V. S., etc.).
Reflex regulation of cardiovascular activity at the vegetative level ensures rapid and adequate adaptability. The vegetative part of the nervous system is closely connected through the limbic-reticular formation with the psychoemotional status. A balanced, satisfied state in our mental is reflected in a balanced vegetation.
Any radical changes, inadequate requirements bring the potentially rigid psyche of people with an anal vector out of balance, chronic psychological problems leading to the accumulation of frustrations fix consciousness on offenses, depriving the necessary flexibility of higher cognitive functions, which over time depletes and almost irreversibly leads to exclusion from the mechanisms well-coordinated regulation of the entire suprasegmental level of management.
Regulation moves to a humoral, lower, ancient and much slower level, which is no longer able to provide internal balance at the previous level. In particular, the functional capabilities of the heart are catastrophically falling, and at this stage we are already faced with organic pathology, which is accompanied by clear complaints, a clinical picture of the disease of the cardiovascular system and is confirmed by other types of examination (ECG, echocardiography, etc.).
The drawing of rhythmograms deserves special attention, since it most clearly demonstrates the growing inertia and, as a result, the loss of the heart's ability to adapt. The ordinate is the R – R intervals in seconds, the horizontal is the contractions themselves. Figure 4 shows how it folds.
Figure: 4. Rhythmogram recording (Bulletin of arrhythmology No. 24, 2001. Analysis of heart rate variability using various electrocardiographic systems. RM Baevsky, GG Ivanov and others. Methodical recommendations. 11.04.2000).
Below are shown sequentially the rhythmograms themselves with a gradual loss of variability. In the lower right corner, the frequency spectrum in percent:
HF (High Frequency) - the parasympathetic regulation system is considered to be high frequency. With continuous stimulation, the latent period is about 200 ms, fluctuations in activity change the heart rate with a frequency of 0.15–0.4 Hz and higher.
LF (Low Frequency) - the sympathetic system is considered a slow regulation system, and therefore low-frequency oscillations. Although there are still discussions on this issue.
VLF (Very Low Frequency) - the slowest circulatory regulation system - humoral-endocrine. It is associated with the activity of hormones and vasoactive substances circulating in the blood plasma. On average, this is one oscillation per minute or less. The frequency range is less than 0.04 Hz.
Figure: 5. Rhythmogram with well-defined waves of various frequencies (Heart rate variability. Practical experience.
Mikhailov V. M., Ivanovo, 2000).
Figure 5 shows how uneven the upper edge is with the constantly changing length of the R – R intervals. Half of the frequency spectrum is occupied by parasympathetic influence with a large margin of variability. Slow and very slow regulatory waves are equally divided.
Figure: 6. Variant of the norm (Heart rate variability. Experience of practical application. Mikhailov VM, Ivanovo, 2000).
On this rhythmogram (Fig. 6), we notice a pattern of episodic waves. Such a rhythmogram is found in practically healthy persons. The tone of the sympathetic division (LF = 59.3%) of the autonomic nervous system was slightly increased, which indicates a good, vigorous tone at the time of the study and readiness for any actions and challenges. There are signs of humoral-endocrine regulation, but the vegetative centers of rapid regulation dominate.
Figure: 7. Rhythmogram in case of failure of adaptation (Heart rate variability. Experience of practical application of the method. VM Mikhailov).
Figure 7 illustrates what adaptation breakdown looks like. The depletion of local segmental and suprasegmental regulatory reserves (in total, LF and HF gain no more than 8%) and the transition to energy-intensive and very slow regulation show us dangerously increasing rigidity and inertia on the part of cardiovascular activity. In these conditions, any challenge or stimulus from the outside can turn out to be outrageous, the body is on the verge of breaking the balance. The entire hierarchy of regulation is violated. With all the desire, adaptation to dynamically changing conditions will take an unacceptably long time, during which a number of circumstances will have time to add or disappear.
We are well aware of examples when a person refuses to understand and accept changes, both in his narrow circle and on a global scale. In this case, cardiovascular activity plays the role of an indicator that demonstrates an individual's ability to adapt changes, take part in them, flexibly and adequately, without unnecessary conformism, to be included in the rapidly changing life of society.
The psyche of people with an anal vector is tuned to the past, they tend to cling to the experience of their predecessors, try to apply it to the realities of today. This is doomed to failure in advance and has dramatic consequences for people with an anal vector. When autonomic regulation, indirectly controlled first by suprasegmental and then by other higher centers, gradually exhausts its margin of safety, released by physiology, we are faced with a growing statistics of cardiovascular diseases.
Figure: 8. The extreme variant of the breakdown of autonomic regulation (heart rate variability. Experience of practical application. Mikhailov VM, Ivanovo, 2000).
The last rhythmogram (Fig. 8) shows an extreme version of a breakdown. Sharply stabilized, like a glove, sinus rhythm without the slightest fluctuations throughout the study - the so-called. rigid rhythm. Functional reserves are completely exhausted. We can see that even the humoral level of regulation fails (VLF = 8.4%). Extremely high risk of acute myocardial infarction at any time. Also, such a rhythmogram can accompany an already arisen heart attack in the acute period.
Thus, rigidity registered at the level of the rhythm of cardiovascular contractions is very likely to lead to a catastrophe.
At the moment when, sooner or later, circumstances from the landscape present their challenge, an adequate response is required from the body - to increase the heart rate, increase the minute blood output, etc. The heart muscle, failing to cope, suffers among the first. The cost of a chronic breakdown in adaptation, which began imperceptibly and persists for a long time, in people with an anal vector becomes prohibitively high.
Through the system-vector division into vectors, it is clear why in a homogeneous (by external features) sample of persons existing in approximately the same conditions with permanently recurring, seemingly insignificant stresses, in some we observe a breakdown in adaptation of the cardiovascular system, and in others - successful adaptation to circumstances.
Among the persons, very flexible in their mental properties - carriers of the skin vector, we will not find pre-infarction conditions. People who have only cutaneous and no anal from the lower vectors are not found among the patients of cardiology departments, they do not perform coronary artery bypass grafting. They are characterized by high adaptability not only on the mental, but also on the somatic level.
In turn, the rigidity of the higher levels of regulation of the cardiovascular system is dramatically reflected in the level of decrease in heart rate variability exclusively in individuals who have an anal vector in their psyche in a state of shortages and stress. It can be assumed that a decrease in heart variability is associated with the risk of myocardial infarction. At the same time, today it is reliably known about the relationship between heart rate variability and the risk of re-infarction (Relationship between heart rate variability and cardiovascular complications in patients with previous q-myocardial infarction. N. A. Kosheleva, A. P. Rebrov, L. Yu Bogdanov, 2011 and a number of other works).
An explanation of the true reasons for the decrease in variability and the risk of heart attack, as well as ways of a radical solution to the problem, cannot be found at the physical level. No matter what qualitatively new drugs are used, drug treatment will be palliative. Until now, the direct connection between diseases of the cardiovascular system and the psyche is leaving the attention of many researchers in the field of neurofunctional systems and ordinary practitioners. The concepts of psychosomatic disorders are extremely vague, and they operate mainly in the field of neurosis-like disorders with hysterical reactions.
In the academic environment, there is very little practical information that would help build connections, identify the corridors of a differentiated understanding of the hierarchy of regulatory systems in practice. In this article, an attempt was made to show in general terms the identity of the rigidity, inertia inherent in the anal vector, with a possible disruption of cardiovascular activity, up to a heart attack. Based on the traditional and uncontested priority of the mental over the physical, it becomes clear why among the patients of cardiology departments we do not meet people without an anal vector.
At the moment, there are very few statistically reliable data, there are no works on the study of heart rate variability, taking into account the set of vectors of the subjects and the degree of their development and implementation (all these factors have a very large impact on the subsequent scenario), but even the available general observations based on the system-vector psychologists suggest what measures should be taken for the real prevention of cardiovascular pathology, myocardial infarction. Eliminating the causes of deviations at the psychological level will allow you to get rid of disorders at the level of somatic manifestations, when the risks of coronary syndromes go away by themselves, without medication.
