Definition
It is an arrhythmia in which heart rate increases in inspiration and decreases in expiration.
It is a benign condition, common in children and young adults. Sometimes, in healthy old
person, absent in autonomic neuropathy.
Mechanism
It is the normal manifestation of autonomic activity which varies with respiration. During inspiration,
parasympathetic activity diminishes, so heart rate increases. It reverses during expiration.
Investigation
ECG findings
• PP or RR interval: Short in inspiration and long in expiration.
• Rhythm: Irregular (PP or RR interval is irregular).