Heart rate variability and suicidal thoughts and behaviour: study protocol for a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• Suicide claims 700,000 lives annually, necessitating improved prevention and prediction methods.
• Heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) are explored as potential biomarkers for suicidal ideation and behavior.
• This systematic review investigates the link between cardiovascular metrics and suicidality in diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review existing literature on HR and HRV as risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
• To synthesize evidence on the relationship between cardiovascular indicators and suicidality.
• To inform clinical practice and theoretical understanding of suicide risk.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science.
• Inclusion of English-language studies measuring HR/HRV and suicidal ideation/behavior.
• Data extraction and risk of bias assessment by two independent reviewers using PRISMA and QUIPS guidelines.

Main Results:

• The review will present synthesized evidence on the association between HR/HRV and suicidality.
• Identification of specific cardiovascular markers related to suicidal thoughts versus behaviors.
• Potential contribution to understanding causal factors in increasing suicidality.

Conclusions:

• Evidence will be presented on the relationship between HRV, HR, and suicidal thoughts/behaviors.
• Findings may enhance risk prediction models for suicidal ideation and actions.
• The review aims to advance theoretical knowledge on suicidality.