Resting heart rate as a risk and protective factor for intrapersonal violence: A population-based study

Low resting heart rate (RHR) is a well-replicated biological correlate of interpersonal violence (i.e., violence against others). However, there is limited research examining the relationship between RHR and intrapersonal violence (i.e., violence against oneself). Using Swedish population-based data, this study examined the relationship between RHR and suicide, an extreme form of intrapersonal violence, among individuals with no convictions ( n = 458,785), violent convictions only ( n = 8,694), non-violent convictions only ( n = 187,138), and both violent and non-violent convictions ( n = 37,745). Cox regression analyses indicated that low RHR lowered the risk of suicide by 22% among non-convicted individuals. High RHR increased the risk of suicide by 25% among individuals with non-violent convictions. RHR was not associated with the risk of suicide among individuals with violent convictions only or both violent and non-violent convictions. Research into shared and distinct etiological mechanisms and risk/protective factors for interpersonal and intrapersonal violence may provide valuable insights for treatment and prevention efforts. • Low RHR lowers suicide risk by 22 % among non-convicted individuals. • High RHR increases suicide risk by 25 % among persons with non-violent convictions. • RHR is not associated with suicide risk among individuals with violent convictions.