Contribution of initial heart rate to the prediction of posttraumatic stress symptom level in accident victims

Earlier findings of a positive correlation between heart rate (HR) and posttraumatic symptom level have recently been brought into question. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between resting HR and symptom scores of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in physically injured accident survivors, controlling for well established predictors for (PTSD and factors influencing HR. A representative sample of 255 accident victims was assessed measuring PRIME-MD, PDEQ, trauma-related cognitions and CAPS. Initial interviews were conducted five days post trauma; follow-up assessments took place six months later. Heart rate measurements were obtained from surgical files. We found positive bivariate correlations between HR at hospital admission (HRA) and PTSD symptom levels. However, in multiple regression analysis HRA contributed marginally to the prediction of PTSD symptom levels. We conclude that the initial heart rate is a weak and not independent predictor for PTSD symptom level following accidental injuries.