Work

Heart Rate Variability in Anorexia Nervosa: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis on the Moderating Role of Measurement Duration and Clinical Stage

Year: 2026

Type: review

Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate heart rate variability (HRV) as a biomarker of autonomic dysfunction in anorexia nervosa (AN), examining differences across clinical stages and the influence of HRV recording duration. METHOD: Quantitative studies comparing HRV parameters between individuals with AN and healthy controls were identified through a systematic search of six databases following PRISMA guidelines. Random-effects meta-analyses and meta-regressions were conducted, with HRV recording duration (5-min vs. 24-h recordings) examined as a moderator. Meta-regression by clinical stage was not feasible due to an insufficient number of studies. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool, and certainty of evidence was rated with GRADE. RESULTS: Nineteen studies were included, with 16 contributing to the meta-analysis (805 participants). Acute AN was associated with significantly lower heart rate (SMD = -1.807; 95% CI: [-3.36, -0.26]; p = 0.022) and reduced LF/HF ratio (SMD = -0.74; 95% CI: [-1.179, -0.301]; p < 0.001). These results indicate parasympathetic predominance. Time-domain indices (SDNN and RMSSD) tended to be higher in AN but were not statistically significant and were supported by low-certainty evidence. Meta-regression analyses revealed that short-term (5-min) HRV recordings yielded significant differences for SDNN (SMD = 0.539; p = 0.008) and HF (SMD = 0.679; p = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, HRV reflects autonomic alterations in AN, particularly in the acute phase characterised by parasympathetic predominance. HRV does not consistently normalise during recovery. These findings are strongly moderated by recording duration. Short-term recordings show more consistent effects.

Source: European Eating Disorders Review

DOI: 10.1002/erv.70104

Authors: Marta Victoria Santiago, Miguel Heres, Cristina Mazas, Maria Fernandez‐del‐Valle, Hugo Olmedillas, Susana Pulgar

Institutions: Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Universidad de Oviedo, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias

Language: English

Topic: Heart Rate Variability and Autonomic Control

Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Agencia Estatal de Investigación