Correlation Between State-Trait-Anxiety-Inventory and Heart Rate Variability

Correlation Between State-Trait-Anxiety-Inventory and Heart Rate Variability: An Observational Cohort and Pilot Study

The purpose of the study is to investigate whether there is a correlation between the vegetative stress evaluated by the State-Trait-Anxiety-Inventory (STAI-Test) and the measurement of heart rate variability (HRV). A subgroup analysis will also be performed to determine whether premedication contributes to a lower STAI score and/or heart rate variability. The primary outcome will be the parameter of frequency-based analysis Low Frequency (LF) and High Frequency (HF), and the STAI score. Secondary outcomes are the parameters Low Frequency/High Frequency-ratio (LF/HF-ratio), Standard deviation of normal-to-normal (NN) intervals (SDNN), Root Mean Square of successive differences" (RMSSD) and mean heart rate, age, gender, if they are smokers and if they work in shifts.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subjects between 18 and 65 years
• Elective surgery with a low risk of bleeding
• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification 1-2
• metabolic equivalent of task (MET) > 4

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pre-existing cardiac conditions such as heart failure, arterial hypertension,
• diabetes
• any central nervous system diseases
• cardiac pacemaker
• renal and hepatic insufficiency
• regional or peridural anesthesia
• Pregnancy, lactation
• Drugs that directly influence the autonomic nervous system