How is electrocardiogram influenced by electroconvulsive therapy in males and females?

Objectives: We aimed to investigate and compare the P duration and P dispersion (Pd) between male and female patients with a primary diagnosis of chronic schizophrenia disorder before and after the electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) period.

Methods: We obtained electrocardiograms of 50 healthy young volunteers which included 25 female (group F, n = 25) and 25 male patients (group M, n = 25). We measured minimum and maximum P wave durations (Pmin, Pmax) and Pd in milliseconds. Electrocardiography was performed before electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and immediately after the ECT period after awakening. A 12-lead surface electrocardiogram was obtained from each subject in the supine position.

Results: The post-ECT P duration was significantly longer than the pre-ECT P duration in groups F and M (P = 0.01 and P = 0.008, respectively). The post-ECT Pd was significantly longer than the pre-ECT Pd in groups F and M (P = 0.0001 in both groups). A higher correlation (r) in group M was observed between the pre-ECT Pd and post-ECT P duration than in group F (r = 0.538, P = 006 in group M; r = 0.349, P = 08 in group F). There was no significant difference between the groups regarding hemodynamics.

Conclusions: Electroconvulsive therapy in both sexes may influence atrial conduction as evidenced by the significantly prolonged Pmax and Pd in patients with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia disorder.