Behavioral influences on cardiac arrhythmias

Trends Cardiovasc Med. 2016 Jan;26(1):68-77. doi: 10.1016/j.tcm.2015.04.008. Epub 2015 Apr 17.

Abstract

Stress can trigger both ventricular and atrial arrhythmias, as evidenced by epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory studies, through its impact on autonomic activity. Chronic stress also increases vulnerability to arrhythmias. Novel therapies aimed at decreasing the psychological and physiological response to stress may decrease arrhythmia frequency and improve quality of life.

Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; Behavior; Stress; sudden cardiac arrest; ventricular arrhythmias.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac* / etiology
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac* / psychology
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac* / therapy
  • Autonomic Nervous System / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Psychophysiology / methods*
  • Quality of Life*
  • Stress, Psychological* / physiopathology
  • Stress, Psychological* / prevention & control