Key result
Patients with schizophrenia had a similar prevalence of abnormal ECGs compared to controls (54%), but antipsychotic use within this group was associated with abnormal ECGs (OR 1.20; 95% CI 1.04-1.39).
Why the study?
Data were limited on electrocardiogram characteristics and their association with psychotropic drugs in patients with schizophrenia.
Do patients with schizophrenia on psychotropic drugs have different ECG characteristics compared to matched controls?
Population
4486 patients with schizophrenia matched with 22 430 controls in Danish primary care
Comparison
Patients with schizophrenia vs matched controls without psychiatric disease
Design
Cross-sectional study
Authors
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Antipsychotic use was associated with ECG abnormalities in schizophrenia; leaves open whether targeted monitoring improves outcomes.
Cross-Sectional (n=26,916)
Do patients with schizophrenia on psychotropic drugs have different ECG characteristics compared to matched controls?
Absolute Event Rate: 54% vs 54%
p-value: p=.536
Patients with schizophrenia, particularly those on antipsychotics, exhibit a distinct cardiovascular risk profile on ECG, including elevated heart rate and QTc prolongation, highlighting the need for integrated care.
Polcwiartek et al. (2019) conducted a cross-sectional in Schizophrenia (n=26,916). Schizophrenia vs. Controls without psychiatric disease was evaluated on abnormal ECGs (p=.536). Patients with schizophrenia had a similar prevalence of abnormal ECGs compared to controls (54%), but antipsychotic use within this group was associated with abnormal ECGs (OR 1.20; 95% CI 1.04-1.39).
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