Abstract
BACKGROUND: Heart rate variability (HRV) is a measure of physiological function of the autonomic nervous system. HRV decreases immediately after alcohol consumption. In those with alcohol dependence, HRV is lower than in healthy individuals even after several days of abstinence. AIM: The study aimed to investigate whether abstinence from alcohol had an association with changes in HRV. METHODS: An observational study conducted at the psychiatry unit of a tertiary care hospital. 100 patients of age 18-45 years fulfilling criteria for alcohol dependence syndrome were included along with 100 healthy age and gender matched controls. HRV indices (pNN50, SDNN, rMSSD, HFHRV, LFHRV, and LF/HF ratio) were compared, before and after 4 weeks of detoxification with de-addiction treatment as usual. RESULTS: At admission, compared to the controls, cases had significantly lower means for the HRV indices. Four weeks after detoxification, cases had significantly higher values of HRV indices. Craving scores correlated with changes in HRV indices. No association was observed with age of onset of drinking or dependence, family history, or choice of anti-craving medication. CONCLUSION: HRV was reduced in cases of ADS; however, with detoxification and continued abstinence, it increased within a period of 4 weeks. Also, craving was associated with change in HRV indices. Thus, HRV is affected by alcohol use but it reverses with alcohol detoxification and abstinence. Hence, can be used as a reliable biomarker of abstinence as well as craving.