Association Between Major Depressive Disorder and Heart Rate Variability in the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA)
Key result
Major depressive disorder was associated with lower heart rate variability (SDNN 3.1-5.7 ms shorter, P<=0.02; RSA 5.1-7.1 ms shorter, P<0.001), an effect mainly driven by antidepressant use.
Why the study?
Is major depressive disorder associated with lower heart rate variability compared to healthy controls?
Population
2,373 individuals from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety, including 524 healthy controls, 774…
Comparison
Major depressive disorder and antidepressant use vs Healthy controls
Design
Cross-sectional
Authors
Discussion
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Implication
Depression may link to lower HRV; leaves open whether this mediates cardiovascular risk.
Study Design
Type
Cross-Sectional (n=2,373)
Structured PICO
Is major depressive disorder associated with lower heart rate variability compared to healthy controls?
P
Population
2,373 adults (mean age 41.8 years, 66.8% female) including 524 healthy controls, 774 with remitted MDD, and 1,075 with current MDD.
E
Exposure
Major depressive disorder (current or remitted) and antidepressant use
C
Comparator
Healthy controls
O
Outcome
Standard deviation of normal-to-normal beats (SDNN) and cardiac vagal control, as indexed by respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), measured during 1.5 hours of ambulatory electrocardiogram recordingsurrogate
Main Result
Effect estimate: effect size 0.125-0.269
p-value: P<=0.02 for SDNN; P<0.001 for RSA
The association between depression and lowered heart rate variability appears to be primarily driven by the use of antidepressants rather than the psychiatric condition itself.
Cite This Study
Licht et al. (2008) conducted a cross-sectional in Major depressive disorder (n=2,373). Major depressive disorder vs. Healthy controls was evaluated on Standard deviation of normal-to-normal beats (SDNN) and cardiac vagal control, as indexed by respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) (effect size 0.125-0.269, p=P<=0.02 for SDNN; P<0.001 for RSA). Major depressive disorder was associated with lower heart rate variability (SDNN 3.1-5.7 ms shorter, P<=0.02; RSA 5.1-7.1 ms shorter, P<0.001), an effect mainly driven by antidepressant use.