Comparative cardiovascular effects of antidepressants in animals and man

Various opinions have been offered regarding the possibility of extrapolation to man of findings in animals on cardiovascular effects of antidepressants. The present study examines this question by correlating ECG and heart rate effects of antidepressants given to rats to similar effects in clinical studies. For the QRS width and the QT length, correlation were found indicating that at least qualitative extrapolations can be made. For PR length and heart rate, the lack of correlations indicates that effects on variables dependent on more complex regulatory systems are more difficult to predict.