Lifestyle intervention and heart rate variability in heart disease
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Effect of personalized lifestyle intervention (exercise, diet plan and breathing exercises) on autonomic nervous system function in patients with heart disease
IRAS ID
252743
Contact name
Alessandra Frigiola
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust’
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Patients with heart disease often complain of chest pain, shortness of breath and lethargy. These symptoms cannot always be explained medically based on their routine investigations, but are the results of chronic mental and physical stress. Chronic stress is known to lead to changes in body composition and autonomic nervous system function.
Many patients with heart disease are unable to adequately engage in physical exercise. This is, at times, due to the presence of physical limitation but more often to a poor knowledge and guidance of what is appropriate and to the fear of damaging their heart. This forms a cycle and worsen their cardiovascular health. In some, this manifests as tiredness, non cardiac related shortness of breath, anxiety, palpitations or symptoms that cannot be medically explained.
We aim to investigate the underlying cause of limited exercise capacity and restricted quality of life using non-invasive technology, such as cardiopulmonary exercise test (bicycle test), health questionnaires and body composition measurement. Unlike conventional set-up, these tests are redesigned so that it engages the patient through direct biological feedback principle. Through basic lifestyle advice, behavioural modification and psychological input, we test our theory that patient compliance is improved, and this positive effect is translated to their cardiovascular health and exercise capacity.
REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/0192
Date of REC Opinion
25 Jan 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion