Study note

Sinus arrhythmia

THE CONTEXT
Sinus arrhythmia is a normal cyclical variation in heart rate during respiration.

Respiratory pattern and significance

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Heart rate increases during inspiration and decreases during expiration.
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This normal phenomenon can be particularly pronounced in children.
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Sinus arrhythmia does not require treatment.

Absent heart rate variation

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Absence of heart rate variation with breathing or changes in posture may occur with diabetic neuropathy, autonomic neuropathy, or increased sympathetic drive.
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