Key result
Antipsychotics are linked to ~69% prevalence of ECG abnormalities, primarily QTc prolongation and abnormal rate.
Why the study?
ECG abnormalities are highly prevalent among patients on antipsychotics, motivating region-specific insights into cardiovascular risks associated with antipsychotic use in a South Indian population.
What is the prevalence and pattern of electrocardiographic abnormalities in psychiatric patients receiving antipsychotic medications?
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.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
ECG monitoring may be prudent for antipsychotic users; leaves open prognostic impact and need for prospective studies.
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.
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Poovathumkadavil et al. (2026) 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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