Heart rate as indicator of depression

Rollins researchers have found a link between a heart rate variability biomarker (Dyx) and depression. Led by Amit J. Shah, assistant professor of epidemiology, the researchers evaluated middle-age male twins from the Vietnam Era Twin Registry who underwent 24 hours of ambulatory electrocardiography. They found a strong relationship between depressive symptoms and lower Dyx, indicating that those with increased depressive symptoms have a potentially higher risk of ischemic heart disease, arrhythmia, and death.

"We were impressed at how compelling the relationship was between Dyx and depressive symptoms," says Shah. "This supports the conceptual framework that depression has direct cardiotoxic effects mediated by the autonomic nervous system."

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"New heart rate based biomarker strongly linked to depression" (3/21/17)