Do alterations in inter-ictal heart rate variability predict sudden unexpected death in epilepsy?
Reduced heart rate variability (HRV) may predispose to sudden unexpected death in
epilepsy (SUDEP). We ascertained whether HRV predicts SUDEP in chronic epilepsy using
a case–control design and investigated parameters of inter-ictal HRV in 14 patients (7 had
died from SUDEP). No HRV parameter was associated with SUDEP. Thus, although altered
HRV might be involved in SUDEP, HRV parameters are not clear-cut predictors for SUDEP.
epilepsy (SUDEP). We ascertained whether HRV predicts SUDEP in chronic epilepsy using
a case–control design and investigated parameters of inter-ictal HRV in 14 patients (7 had
died from SUDEP). No HRV parameter was associated with SUDEP. Thus, although altered
HRV might be involved in SUDEP, HRV parameters are not clear-cut predictors for SUDEP.