Systolic time interval v heart rate regression equations using atropine: reproducibility studies.

1. Systolic time intervals (STI) were recorded in six normal male subjects over a period of 3 weeks. On one day per week, each subject received incremental doses of atropine intravenously to increase heart rate, allowing the determination of individual STI v HR regression equations. On the other days STI were recorded with the subjects resting, in the supine position. 2. There were highly significant regression relationships between heart rate and both LVET and QS2, but not between heart rate and PEP. 3. The regression relationships showed little intra-subject variability, but a large degree of inter-subject variability: they proved adequate to correct the STI for the daily fluctuations in heart rate. 4. Administration of small doses of atropine intravenously provides a satisfactory and convenient method of deriving individual STI v HR regression equations which can be applied over a period of weeks.