Assessing heart rate variability using a 12 lead ECG in patients with alcohol dependence syndrome.

Heavy or hazardous drinking is associated with an increased risk of cardiac morbidity and mortality and this has been attributed to abnormalities in cardiac autonomic regulation. Current study aimed to assess the role of simple indices derived from 12 lead ECG in subjects with chronic alcohol dependence. Data suggested that alcohol group had significantly lower 12 lead ECG derived RR variability compared to age and gender matched controls. Study further supports the implication of 12 lead derived RR variability indices in various clinical settings.