Relation between Ventricular Arrhythmias and Psychological Profile

Abstract

The association between psychological characteristics and ventricular arrhythmias was investigated in 150 men (50 with manifest IHD, 50 with risk indicators of IHD and 50 healthy men). Arrhythmias were recorded with 24-hour Holter monitoring. Psychological characteristics were assessed by the Emotions Profile Index and the Structured Interview for pattern A behaviour. A depressive emotional state was associated with prognostically severe ventricular arrhythmia in healthy men, but not in men with overt IHD or risk indicators of IHD. When clinical characteristics and age were taken into account, depressiveness was-among healthy men-the second most important factor after high age. The results suggest that-in absence of IHD or other cardiovascular disease-a depressive emotional state may participate in the formation of ventricular arrhythmia.