The effect of cigarette smoking on the fractal organisation of the heartbeat regulating system was investigated by power spectral analysis. The heart rate variability (HRV) signal was obtained from the consecutive RR intervals of ECG. Power law behaviour of 1/fb type was studied to assess the fractal organisation of the heartbeat. Changes in the ratio of low frequency (PLF) to high frequency power (PHF) were used to assess the state of sympathovagal balance. The following statistical procedures were employed, as appropriate: Student's t-test for unpaired samples to compare mean values and paired t-test to compare changes within groups, and linear regression analysis. Experimental data were reported as means±SD. The differences between mean values were considered significant for p

The effect of cigarette smoking on the fractal organisation of the heartbeat regulating system was investigated by power spectral analysis. The heart rate variability (HRV) signal was obtained from the consecutive RR intervals of ECG. Power law behaviour of 1/fb type was studied to assess the fractal organisation of the heartbeat. Changes in the ratio of low frequency (PLF) to high frequency power (PHF) were used to assess the state of sympathovagal balance. The following statistical procedures were employed, as appropriate: Student's t-test for unpaired samples to compare mean values and paired t-test to compare changes within groups, and linear regression analysis. Experimental data were reported as means±SD. The differences between mean values were considered significant for p