The effect of the pandemic on heart rate variability in senior adults

Aim. The article aims to study the impact of the first wave of the pandemic on heart rate variability in elderly women. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on the premises of the Ural Federal University. A group of elderly women who followed the health enhancement program before the outbreak of the pandemic participated in the study. The study included the analysis of heart rate variability by means of the VARICARD 3.0 device. More than 30 indicators of the functional status were analyzed such as stress index, vascular rhythm activity, vegetative balance, the presence of arrhythmias, and others. Results. As a result of testing, weight indicators increased by an average of 13%. The functional status worsened or remained the same, heart rate stability increased or significantly increased, vascular bed activity became moderately increased or normal, vegetative homeostasis remained normal, while the degree of centralization in all subjects increased and was characterized by a pronounced increase in the central levels of regulation. The stress index increased by 30-400 units, which can be explained by restrictive measures for the elderly. Conclusion. The study demonstrated that self-isolation had a negative impact on elderly women. Many indicators show a decrease in functional reserves, as well as an active reaction of the body to stress factors.