Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026

A Pacing-Controlled Procedure for the Assessment of Heart Rate-Dependent Diastolic Functions in Murine Heart Failure Models
Published on: July 21, 2023
Depressive symptoms are related to decreased low-frequency heart rate variability in older adults with decompensated
Salvador M Guinjoan1, Mariana N Castro, Daniel E Vigo
1Fundación para la Lucha contra las Enfermedades Neurológicas de la Infancia, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina. sguinjoan@fleni.org.ar
Background/Aims:
Depression has been associated with increased mortality among individuals with heart failure, but the mechanism for this association is unsettled. Depression is often found to result in autonomic dysfunction which, if present in heart failure, might help explain worsened outcomes.
Methods:
This study was a cross-sectional evaluation of the relationship between depressive symptoms and cardiac autonomic function, as assessed by short-term heart rate variability (HRV) analysis in aged patients with acute/decompensated heart failure of coronary origin (CHF). A 21-item Hamilton Depression score and measures of short-term HRV were obtained in 31 inpatients >or=65 years of age, 24-72 h after admission to the coronary care unit with a diagnosis of CHF.
Results:
Clinical depression was present in 22.6% of participants. In the sample as a whole, increasing depressive symptoms were associated with decreased low-frequency HRV.
Conclusion:
These results may be important in light of recent indications that decreased low-frequency HRV is a predictor of mortality in patients with heart failure.
Related Concept Videos
Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
Decreased pulse rate
There are specific risk factors that can elevate the likelihood of developing bradycardia. Advanced age is a significant factor, with bradycardia...
Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions
