Cardiac neurosis: interactions between cardiac arrhythmias and symptoms using ambulatory ECG monitoring.
To investigate interactions between cardiac arrhythmias and subjective complaints and the background, ambulatory electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring and a mental test [Cornell Medical Index (CMI)] were performed on 32 patients who complained of anxiety due to palpitation and/or tachycardic feelings without organic heart disease. The patients were classified into two groups according to the Holter ECG. In one group symptoms corresponded with cardiac arrhythmias (Group C; n = 15); and the other group lacked corresponding arrhythmias in spite of their significant symptoms (Group B; n = 17). From psychological view points, 65% of Group B and 40% of Group C patients showed grades III or IV of CMI tests, whereas only 5% showed grade III in normal volunteers (Group A; n = 20). Patients suffering symptoms without associated cardiac arrhythmias may have psychophysiologic backgrounds, at least in a part. It might be necessary in the treatment of these patients to pay attention to the factor of cardiac neurosis.
Kotake
H
H
First Department of Internal Medicine, Tottori University School of Medicine, Yonago, Japan.
Fukuki
M
M
Miyakoda
H
H
Hisatome
I
I
Fujimoto
Y
Y
Mashiba
H
H
D000328:Adult; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D015716:Electrocardiography, Ambulatory; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009449:Neurocirculatory Asthenia / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D011581:Psychological Tests