Antipsychotic use in psychiatric patients was associated with a 69% prevalence of ECG abnormalities, most commonly abnormal heart rate (70.3%) and QTc prolongation (70.3%).
Cross-Sectional (n=101)
No
What is the prevalence and pattern of electrocardiographic abnormalities in psychiatric patients receiving antipsychotic medications?
A high prevalence (69%) of ECG abnormalities was observed in psychiatric patients on antipsychotics, emphasizing the need for routine cardiac risk assessment and personalized prescribing.
Background: ECG abnormalities are highly prevalent among patients on antipsychotics with medication-specific and patient-specific risk-patterns. Aims and Objectives: This study aims comprehensive ECG analysis to provide region-specific insights into cardiovascular risks associated with antipsychotic use. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated electrocardiographic(ECG) abnormalities in 101patients receiving antipsychotic medications at a South-Indian tertiary-care-centre. Results: The results revealed 69%prevalence of ECG abnormalities, with most common alterations being abnormal heart rate(70.3%), prolonged RR (74.3%), TpTe intervals (77.2%), and QTc prolongation(70.3%). Amisulpride showed 75%QTc prolongation incidence, clozapine demonstrated BMI-dependent PR prolongation(r=0.875), and haloperidol universally affected TpTe intervals. Notably, Aripiprazole exhibited unexpected age-dependent conduction changes despite its cardiac-safe reputation. Second-generation antipsychotics(70.3% of prescriptions) showed better safety-profiles than first-generation agents, though polypharmacy(22.8%) amplified risks. Key predictors included age, BMI and lifestyle factors. Conclusion: These findings advocate for personalized antipsychotic regimens incorporating cardiac-risk assessment and lifestyle interventions to mitigate cardiovascular morbidity in psychiatric populations.
Poovathumkadavil et al. (Thu,) conducted a cross-sectional in Psychiatric patients on antipsychotics (n=101). Antipsychotic medications was evaluated on ECG abnormalities. Antipsychotic use in psychiatric patients was associated with a 69% prevalence of ECG abnormalities, most commonly abnormal heart rate (70.3%) and QTc prolongation (70.3%).
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