Resting Heart Rate Predicts Depression and Cognition Early after Ischemic Stroke: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cardiology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Early detection of poststroke depression (PSD) and cognitive impairment (PSCI) is challenging.
• Autonomic nervous system function is linked to depression and cognition.
• This relationship is unexplored in the early poststroke phase.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if resting heart rate (HR) parameters in early stroke correlate with depression and cognition.
• To assess if these HR parameters can predict PSD or PSCI objectively, especially for non-responsive patients.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-four first-ever ischemic stroke patients were studied.
• Resting HR and heart rate variability (HRV) were measured within the first week post-stroke.
• Depression and cognition were assessed at 1 week and 3 months.

Main Results:

• Higher HR, lower HRV, and higher sympathovagal balance correlated with higher depressive symptoms in the first week.
• Early sympathovagal balance predicted 3-month depressive symptoms.
• Early HR and HRV predicted 3-month cognitive function.

Conclusions:

• Resting HR measurements in early stroke can objectively predict PSD and PSCI.
• This method is valuable for patients unable to complete traditional questionnaires.
• HR parameters offer a new avenue for early, objective assessment of poststroke complications.