May 1, 2004

Accuracy of heartbeat perception is reflected in the amplitude of the heartbeat‐evoked brain potential

OPOlga PollatosUniversität Ulm RSRainer SchandryMunich University of Applied Sciences

Structured PICO

Is the accuracy of heartbeat perception reflected in the amplitude of the heartbeat-evoked brain potential?

Population

44 subjects classified as good (n=18) or poor (n=26) heartbeat perceivers based on a heartbeat perception task.

Intervention

Heartbeat perception task with concurrent EEG, EOG, and ECG recording.

Comparator

Poor heartbeat perceivers (n=26) compared to good heartbeat perceivers (n=18).

Outcome

Amplitude of the heartbeat-evoked potential (HEP) in the latency range of 250-350 ms after the ECG R-wave.surrogate

The accuracy of heartbeat perception is reflected in the amplitude of the heartbeat-evoked brain potential, suggesting HEP is a suitable tool for studying brain processes related to visceral perception.

Abstract

Neurotransmission from the heart to the brain results in a heartbeat-evoked potential (HEP). In this study, the influence of the ability to detect one's heartbeats based on the HEP was examined. According to their results in a heartbeat perception task, subjects were classified as good (n=18) or poor (n=26) heartbeat perceivers. EEG, EOG, and ECG were recorded while participants attended to their heartbeats. The R-wave of the ECG served as a trigger for EEG averaging. In the latency range of 250-350 ms after the ECG R-wave, the HEP amplitude at the right central location was significantly higher in good heartbeat perceivers. A significantly positive correlation was observed between the heartbeat perception score and the mean HEP amplitude. Our results confirm that the accuracy of heartbeat perception is reflected in the amplitude of the HEP. Thus, the HEP may be a suitable research tool for the study of brain processes related to visceral perception.

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