Dexmedetomidine, selective alfa2 receptors agonist produces sympatholysis. As a result heart
rate decreases. With low doses blood pressure also decreases, with higher dosing - systematic
vascular resistance increases. The indication for the drug is to produce sedation during
surgical procedures and in ICU patients.
The aim of a study is to verify, whether the haemodynamic effect (heart rate, blood pressure
and heart rate variability during drug infusion) depend on pre-drug autonomic system
activity. Autonomic system activity is assessed using heart rate variability (HRV)measurement
before drug injection and during drug infusion. Heart rate and blood pressure measured before
and during drug infusion will be analysed.
HRV measurement analysis will be based on continuous Holter ECG recording, taken before drug
injection and during its infusion. 5 minutes intervals will be analysed , using Frequency
Domain Measures of HRV. Surgical procedure will start after measurement have been taken.