The physiological control system of the heart produces a highly complex pattern of cardiac rhythmicity which is reflected in the variability of heart rate. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of posture and breathing frequency on the cardiac control system by various noninvasive techniques. Seven healthy subjects (24+/-5 years, mean age+/-S.D.) were studied in the supine and sitting positions while breathing spontaneously or at a fixed rate (3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 60 breaths.min(-1)). Time series of instantaneous beat-to-beat heart rates were evaluated by spectral analysis and by the dimensionless approximate entropy parameter. The total spectral power as well as the low (<0.05 Hz) and mid frequency (0.05-0.12 Hz) spectral components were higher in the sitting position. Mean approximate entropy (+/-S.D.) (0.85+/-0.15 in sitting and 0.87+/-0.16 in lying subjects) was unaffected by postural changes or breathing frequencies higher than 6 breaths x min(-1). Analysis in the frequency domain revealed that the activity of the autonomic components controlling heart rate was modified by ventilation and postural changes, whereas approximate entropy, a unique measure of the complexity and integrity of the cardiac control system, was almost unaffected by respiration and posture.