Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 17, 2025
05:48
Autonomic Function Following Concussion in Youth Athletes: An Exploration of Heart Rate Variability Using 24-hour Recording Methodology
Published on: September 21, 2018
10.2K
Posttraumatic Stress, Posttraumatic Growth, and Heart Rate Variability Among Breast Cancer Survivors
İmran Gökçen Yılmaz Karaman1, Cennet Yastıbaş Kaçar2, Gülay Dirik3
1Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Türkiye.
Noro Psikiyatri Arsivi
|June 30, 2025
Summary
Breast cancer survivors
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cardiology
- Psychology
Background:
- Breast cancer is a leading cause of mortality in women worldwide.
- Survivors may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms or post-traumatic growth (PTG).
- Understanding the physiological impact of these psychological states is crucial for comprehensive care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between heart rate variability (HRV) parameters and psychological outcomes in breast cancer survivors.
- To explore correlations between PTSD symptoms, PTG, and specific HRV metrics.
Main Methods:
- Forty-three female breast cancer survivors (Stage 1-3) participated.
- 24-hour ECG was used to measure HRV parameters.
- PTSD and PTG were assessed using the PCL-5 and PTGI, respectively.
Main Results:
- PTSD symptoms (PCL-5) correlated with reduced HRV (SDNN, LF) and increased mean heart rate.
- PTG symptoms (PTGI) were associated with the LF/HF ratio.
- Both PTSD and PTG scores predicted HRV parameters and mean heart rate via regression analysis.
Conclusions:
- PTSD and PTG symptoms are significantly associated with HRV parameters in breast cancer survivors.
- PTSD relates to lower HRV and higher heart rate, while PTG is linked to higher HRV and lower heart rate.
- These findings highlight the complex interplay between psychological well-being and cardiovascular health post-cancer treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
201
Stress is a multifaceted response to events perceived as challenging or threatening, highlighting physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral reactions. Physically, stress can lead to fatigue, sleep disruptions, and various health issues such as frequent colds, chest pains, and nausea. Emotionally, it can manifest as anxiety, depression, irritability, and anger triggered by both minor and major life events. Cognitively, it may result in difficulty in concentration, memory, and...
201
01:27Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
124
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that arises following exposure to traumatic events such as natural disasters, forced displacement, or severe accidents. It significantly impairs individuals' ability to cope with daily activities and disrupts their emotional and psychological equilibrium.
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events,...
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events,...
124
01:30Factors Influencing Heart Rate
4.9K
The heart rate, or pulse rate, is a vital indicator of cardiovascular health. It reflects the number of times the heart beats per minute. Various physiological and environmental factors influence heart rate, increasing or decreasing cardiac output. Understanding these factors is crucial for assessing heart function and identifying potential health issues.
Let us explore the significant factors affecting heart rate, including age, body temperature, posture, acute pain, chemical influences,...
Let us explore the significant factors affecting heart rate, including age, body temperature, posture, acute pain, chemical influences,...
4.9K
01:27Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
82
Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines how psychological factors, particularly stress, interact with the immune system and impact physical health. Research in PNI has shown that chronic or traumatic stress can disrupt both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. These disruptions contribute to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
82
01:20Psychological Responses to Stress
110
Psychological responses to stress encompass the various cognitive and emotional reactions individuals experience when faced with challenging or threatening situations, such as a job loss. Prolonged exposure to stressors can disturb emotional balance, increasing negative emotions (e.g., anxiety and sadness) and diminishing positive emotions (e.g., joy and satisfaction). These persistent emotional shifts are associated with an increased risk of both physical illness and mental health issues, such...
110
01:19Cardiac Output I:Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
1.3K
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...
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...
1.3K