Association of Psychosocial Factors and Heart Rate Variability in Heart Failure Patients
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026

Calculating Heart Rate Variability from ECG Data from Youth with Cerebral Palsy During Active Video Game Sessions
Published on: June 5, 2019
Chi-Wen Kao1, Li-Fang Tseng2, Wei-Shiang Lin3
1National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan chiwenkao@ndmctsgh.edu.tw.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to examine the association of psychosocial factors (depression, social support, and health-related quality of life) with heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with heart failure. The sample comprised 91 outpatients from a medical center. Data were collected using the Beck Depression Inventory-II, Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Social Support Survey, and Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire. HRV was measured in terms of time-domain parameters from a 24-hr ambulatory Holter electrocardiogram. After adjusting for demographic and clinical variables, quality of life and social support were significantly associated with HRV. HRV (time-domain measures) was significantly higher in patients who perceived better quality of life and more social support. Our findings suggest that nurses could screen early for patients' risk of adverse psychosocial conditions and suggest online or other social supportive interventions to help at-risk patients minimize the negative associations with HRV.
Related Concept Videos
Factors Influencing Heart Rate
Let us explore the significant factors affecting heart rate, including age, body temperature, posture, acute pain, chemical influences,...
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
Heart Failure I: Introduction
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations
Cardiac Output I:Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output (CO) refers to the total amount of blood ejected by one of the ventricles in liters per minute (L/min). In a resting adult, CO ranges from 5 to 6 L/min, adjusting according to the body's metabolic requirements.
Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output adapts to metabolic demands during stress, physical activity, or illness. The autonomic nervous system regulates heart rate via the sinoatrial node. The parasympathetic nervous system decreases heart rate...
