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[Consecutive changes of R-R interval variation on ECG after abstinence in male alcoholics]
Insights
Heart rate variation, a measure of autonomic nervous system function, was significantly impaired in male alcoholics during early alcohol withdrawal. Improvement was observed by the 30th hospital day, suggesting recovery from autonomic dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Addiction Medicine
Context:
- Alcohol use disorder is associated with significant autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
- Assessing heart rate variation (HRV) provides insights into autonomic regulation.
- Male alcoholics admitted for treatment exhibit unique physiological responses during withdrawal.
Purpose:
- To investigate the longitudinal changes in heart rate variation in male alcoholics during the initial stages of alcohol withdrawal.
- To determine if HRV parameters normalize with continued abstinence and hospitalization.
- To correlate HRV changes with the severity and duration of alcohol dependence.
Summary:
- Heart rate variation, quantified by the coefficient of variation (CV) of R-R intervals, was measured in 37 male alcoholics during their hospital stay.
- CV values were significantly lower on admission and the 7th day compared to the 30th day of hospitalization (p < 0.001).
- The ratio of CV to a standard prediction value also showed a significant increase by the 30th day, indicating recovery of autonomic function.
Impact:
- Findings suggest that autonomic nervous system dysfunction is a prominent feature of alcohol withdrawal syndrome in male alcoholics.
- The study highlights the potential for HRV assessment as a biomarker for monitoring recovery from alcohol-induced autonomic impairment.
- These results contribute to understanding the neurophysiological consequences of chronic alcohol abuse and the recovery process.
Abstract:
Heart rate variation were studied in 37 male alcoholics (age: 46.0 +/- 7.4 years old, duration of habitual drinking: 23 +/- 8 years.) who were admitted in Kurihama National Hospital within 48 hours of last drinking. The coefficient of variation (CV value = (standard deviation/mean R-R interval) X 100) of 100 successive R-R intervals in ECG during supine resting position was measured consecutively on admission, 7th, and 30th hospital day. The CV values on admission (2.50 +/- 0.81) and on 7th day (2.60 +/- 0.87) were significantly lower than those on 30th day (3.41 +/- 1.06, p less than 0.001). In 10 alcoholics, CV values were also measured on 60th day (3.32 +/- 1.18), which were not significantly different from that on 30th day (3.17 +/- 1.18). The ratio of CV to standard prediction value (CV/(-0.066 X age + 6.480)) were 0.67 +/- 0.24, 0.68 +/- 0.21 and 0.90 +/- 0.28 on admission, 7th and 30th day, respectively. The ratio on admission and on 7th day were significantly lower than those on 30th day (p less than 0.001). These findings are suggesting that the disturbance of heart rate variation in alcoholics is reflecting the deterioration of autonomic nervous system on alcohol withdrawal stage.