Depressive symptoms and heart rate variability: evidence for a shared genetic substrate in a study of twins.

摘要: Objective: To clarify the relationship between depression and heart rate variability (HRV) in a sample of twins. Reduced HRV, measure autonomic dysfunction, has been linked to but many studies have inadequately controlled for familial environmental factors. Furthermore, little is known about whether HRV share common genetic pathways. Methods: We performed power spectral analysis on 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiograms 288 middle-aged male Log-normalized ultra low, very high frequency, total were calculated. A lifetime history major depressive disorder (MDD) was determined, using Structured Clinical Interview Psychiatry Disorders, current symptoms measured with Beck Depression Inventory. Mixed-effect regression models used account intrapair estimate within-pair effects at same time controlling potential confounders. Results: Both MDD significantly associated lower HRV. There graded effect, each frequency band 29% 36% lowest compared highest BDI category. All measures except remained multivariable analysis, not MDD. When analyses stratified by zygosity, significant association score found dizygotic monozygotic twins, suggesting influence association. Conclusions: shared, genetically influenced biological pathway underlies These two phenotypes may be expression generalized neurobiological perturbation.