Depression and Heart Rate Variability in Physically Healthy subjects: Implications for Cardiovascular Risk.

Background: To study depression and heart rate variability in physically healthy subjects. Materials & methods: A total of 60 patients were enrolled. The subjects were divided into 2 groups as control group and depression group. The age of patients was between 20 - 50 years. HRV recording was done. Chi-square test was employed to compare categorical variables. The data was analysed using SPSS software. Results: A total of 60 patients were enrolled. In the comparison of HRV measures in between the two groups, values of LF (nu) (p<0.001), LF:HF Ratio (p<0.001) were significantly higher and HF (nu) (p<0.001) parameter was significantly lower in depression group compared to controls. Conclusion: HRV recordings showed significant changes in the patients suffering from depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]