Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 4, 2026

Design, Fabrication, and Administration of the Hand Active Sensation Test (HASTe)
07:54

Design, Fabrication, and Administration of the Hand Active Sensation Test (HASTe)

Published on: September 8, 2015

Effects of non-right-handedness on risk for sudden death associated with coronary artery disease

R D Lane1, A C Caruso, V L Brown

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson.

The American Journal of Cardiology
|October 15, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Non-right-handedness, including left-handedness, was significantly more common in patients experiencing ventricular tachycardia-ventricular fibrillation (VT-VF). This suggests a potential link between non-right-handedness and sudden cardiac death risk in coronary artery disease patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a significant concern in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).
  • Sympathetic nervous system imbalance is implicated in ventricular arrhythmogenesis, a primary cause of SCD.
  • Previous research suggests left-handers may have a shorter lifespan, hinting at potential underlying biological differences.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the hypothesis that non-right-handedness is associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD).
  • To determine if handedness prevalence differs between patients with CAD and a history of ventricular tachycardia-ventricular fibrillation (VT-VF) and those with CAD but no history of serious arrhythmias.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study comparing 26 patients with CAD and VT-VF (with implanted defibrillators) to 26 age-, sex-, and functional class-matched CAD patients without VT-VF.
  • Handedness was defined as writing, drawing, or throwing with the left hand.
  • Prevalence of left-handedness and non-right-handedness in both groups was compared to published general population norms.

Main Results:

  • The rate of left-handedness (23.1%) and non-right-handedness (34.6%) was significantly higher in the VT-VF patient group compared to general population norms (5% and 10.2%, respectively).
  • The case-control group showed handedness rates (7.7% left-handed, 15.4% non-right-handed) that closely approximated expected general population values.
  • These findings indicate a statistically significant association between non-right-handedness and a history of VT-VF in CAD patients.

Conclusions:

  • Non-right-handedness is significantly more prevalent in patients with coronary artery disease and a history of ventricular tachycardia-ventricular fibrillation.
  • This increased prevalence suggests a potential association between non-right-handedness and the risk of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms connecting handedness, autonomic nervous system function, and arrhythmogenesis.

More Related Videos

Generation and Characterization of Right Ventricular Myocardial Infarction Induced by Permanent Ligation of the Right Coronary Artery in Mice10:18

Generation and Characterization of Right Ventricular Myocardial Infarction Induced by Permanent Ligation of the Right Coronary Artery in Mice

Published on: February 1, 2022

Block Building Task Identifies Distinct Groups of Left/Right-hand Choice Patterns After Unilateral Peripheral Nerve Injury07:06

Block Building Task Identifies Distinct Groups of Left/Right-hand Choice Patterns After Unilateral Peripheral Nerve Injury

Published on: March 21, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization01:21

Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization

Right Heart Catheterization: An OverviewRight heart catheterization is an invasive diagnostic procedure that measures right-sided cardiac and pulmonary artery pressures, calculates cardiac output, and identifies intracardiac shunts. It provides detailed hemodynamic data essential for diagnosing and managing various cardiovascular conditions, such as pulmonary hypertension.Access SitesCommon access sites for right heart catheterization include the internal jugular vein in the neck region, the...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease01:27

Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease

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...