The software described in this study allows the analysis of heart rate variability, a relatively new method for evaluating autonomic nervous system functioning. Analysis of heart rate variability is based on time-domain methods and methods of nonlinear dynamics. The software provides an array of tools for quick and simple analysis of the autonomic nervous system parameters. We aimed to study complexity and time asymmetry of short-term heart rate variability as an index of complex neurocardiac

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... ntrol in response to stress using symbolic dynamics and time irreversibility methods. ECG was recorded at rest, during and after two stressors (Stroop, arithmetic test) in 70 healthy students. Symbolic dynamics parameters (0V%,1V%,2LV%,2UV%), and time irreversibility indices (P%,G%,E) were evaluated. Correlation analysis revealed no significant associations between symbolic dynamics and time irreversibility. Concluding, symbolic dynamics and time irreversibility could provide independent information related to alterations of neurocardiac control integrity in stress-related disease.