Examination of Tp-e interval, Tp-e / QT ratio, Tp-e / QTc ratio and fragmented QRS parameters in patients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder

Objective Anxiety disorders can be seen in individuals with cardiovascular disease, as well as cardiovascular diseases can be seen in individuals diagnosed with anxiety disorder. This situation can affect morbidity and mortality. In this respect, early diagnosis and treatment is very important. We aimed to recognize ventricular pro-arrhythmic conditions that may accompany generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) with electrocardiographic parameters. Material-method: 50 patients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder for the first time and 50 healthy control groups were included in the study. Sociodemographic data form, Beck Anxiety Scale (BAI) and Beck Depression Scale (BDI) were applied to all participants. In addition, electrocardiography was performed in both groups and Tp-e interval, Tp-e / QT ratio, Tp-e / QTc ratio and fragmented QRS parameters were measured. Results It was observed that the anxiety and depression scores of the patient group were higher than the control group. (p < 0.001). In addition, it was found that the Tp-e interval, Tp-e / QT and Tp-e / QTc ratio were higher in individuals with GAD, and the rate of fragmented QRS in the patient group was significantly higher than the healthy control group. (p < 0.001) (p = 0.016). It was determined that there is a moderately positive significant relationship between BAI and BDI and Tp-e interval, Tp-e / QT ratio andTp-e / QTc ratio (r = 0.665, p < 0.001) Conclusion These findings show that ventricular repolarization and depolarization are affected in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder. This situation poses a risk in terms of arrhythmia and it would be appropriate to avoid pro-arrhythmic agents in drug selection in these patients. Since ECG is an inexpensive and easily accessible test, we think that cardiac follow-up of generalized anxiety disorders with ECG measurement may be beneficial.