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Evaluation of vasovagal tonus index and electrocardiographic parameters in horses using a new modified base apex lead method.
Abstract: Vasovagal tonus index (VVTI) serves as a straightforward assessment tool for autonomic function during both physiological and pathological conditions, including pregnancy, in horses. Obtaining VVTI through a modified base apex lead system could be a practical and comfortable solution. In this study, we assessed VVTI in horses with respect to training status and electrocardiographic measurements utilizing a novel modified base apex lead technique. Unassigned: A total of 12 Thai native crossbred horses and 12 Arabian horses, all free of cardiac abnormalities, were enrolled in the study. Animals underwent electrocardiogram (ECG) and VVTI using both the base-apex lead method and its modified version. 25 mm/s and 10 mm/mV ECG recordings provided standard bipolar limb leads. The amplitudes and durations of P waves, QRS complexes, PR interval, QT interval, and T duration were assessed. The T wave's shape was examined. Each recording's R-R interval was utilized to assess heart rate. Twenty consecutive beats were used to compute the variability of heart rate (VVTI). Unassigned: The P wave amplitude was the only significant difference (p < 0.05) between the base apex lead method and the modified base apex lead method, with no variations in heart rate, P duration, PR interval, T duration, and QRS duration and amplitude. Both methods showed mainly biphasic T wave patterns. The VVTI values of all horses did not differ significantly between the base apex and modified base apex methods. There was no significant difference in VVTI between Thai crossbred horses and Arabian horses in either method. Unassigned: This study provided the first evidence that VVTI can be evaluated using the modified base apex lead system and may be useful for cardiovascular function monitoring in horses.
Copyright: © Pontaema, et al.
Publication Date: 2024-06-28 PubMed ID: 39077445PubMed Central: PMC11283595DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.1385-1390Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
- Adult Horses
- Analytical Methods
- Animal Health
- Animal Species
- Animal Study
- Arabian Horses
- Autonomic Nervous System
- Breed Differences
- Cardiovascular Health
- Clinical Pathology
- Clinical Study
- Diagnostic Technique
- Electrocardiography
- Exercise Physiology
- Heart
- Heart Rate
- Horses
- Physiology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Research
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
The research article focuses on the evaluation of Vasovagal Tonus Index (VVTI) in horses using a new modified base apex lead method and the implications towards the heart rate parameters like the amplitude and duration of P waves, QRS complexes, PR interval, QT interval, and T duration.
Research Objective
The main objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness and accuracy of applying a novel technique, a modified base apex lead method, to compute the Vasovagal Tonus Index (VVTI) in horses. The VVTI is crucial in evaluating the functioning of the autonomic nervous system in horses.
Research Methodology
- A total of 24 horses were used in the study; Twelve Thai native crossbred horses and twelve Arabian horses. All selected horses were free of cardiac abnormalities.
- Both the base-apex lead method and its modified version were used to perform Electrocardiogram (ECG) and to evaluate VVTI.
- ECG records were set at a standard of 25 mm/s and10 mm/mV to provide standard bipolar limb leads.
- The amplitudes and durations of P waves, QRS complexes, PR interval, QT interval, and T duration were recorded and assessed.
- The shape of the T wave was also observed.
- The R-R interval from each ECG recording was used to assess the heart rate.
- 20 consecutive beats were considered for computing heart rate variability or VVTI.
Results and Observations
- The comparison between base apex lead method and the modified base apex lead method showed a significant variation only in P wave amplitude. There were no changes observed in the heart rate, P duration, PR interval, T duration, and QRS duration, and amplitude.
- Both methods exposed primarily biphasic T wave patterns.
- The VVTI values for all horses recorded weren’t significantly different between the regular base apex and the modified base apex methods.
- No significant variation in VVTI was observed between the Thai crossbred horses and the Arabian horses using either method.
Conclusion
The study concluded that VVTI can be efficiently evaluated using the modified base apex lead system and could potentially be a useful tool for monitoring cardiovascular function in horses. This experiment contributes first-of-its-kind evidence supporting the use of the modified base apex lead method for VVTI evaluation.
Cite This Article
APA
Pontaema T, Pongthaisong P, Kenchaiwong W, Chompoosan C, Lerdweeraphon W.
(2024).
Evaluation of vasovagal tonus index and electrocardiographic parameters in horses using a new modified base apex lead method.
Vet World, 17(6), 1385-1390.
https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2024.1385-1390 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Applied Animal Physiology Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, 44000, Thailand.
- Applied Animal Physiology Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, 44000, Thailand.
- Small Ruminant Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, 44000, Thailand.
- Applied Animal Physiology Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, 44000, Thailand.
- Small Ruminant Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, 44000, Thailand.
- Network Center for Animal Breeding and Omics Research, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.
- Applied Animal Physiology Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, 44000, Thailand.
- Applied Animal Physiology Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, 44000, Thailand.
- Small Ruminant Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, 44000, Thailand.
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
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Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Suwannarueang S, Pongkan W, Pontaema T, Kenchaiwong W, Pongthaisong P, Chompoosan C, Lerdweeraphon W. Cardiac adaptations in early equine pregnancy: heart rate elevation without heart rate variability alteration in Thai native crossbred mares. Vet World 2025 Sep;18(9):2590-2597.
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