(097) IS THERE A REDUCTION IN HEART RATE VARIABILITY IN VICTIMS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE? A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Rafael L , Yui C , Scanavino M 
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Sexual violence has an alarming prevalence globally. Studies indicate an association between sexual violence victims (SVV) and the development of low heart rate variability, which is a predictor of negative cardiovascular outcomes.

Objective

The objective of this study is to conduct an initial literature review and qualitative analysis of studies to investigate the effects of sexual violence trauma on heart rate variability (HRV).

Methods

Three databases (PubMed, BVS and Embase) were selected for the search of studies with HRV analysis data in SVV. The chosen period was the last decade (from the year 2013 onwards). Since the R-R interval represents the interval between each heartbeat and vagal tone is the main modulator of heart rate variability, parameters representative of HRV were: SDNN (standard deviation of all RR intervals), which expresses the global sympathetic and parasympathetic activity, RMSSD (Root mean square of the successive differences), and HF (high frequency component, an indicator of parasympathetic activity on the heart). The inclusion criteria were studies involving groups of individuals who have experienced sexual violence, whether recent or past, and measuring heart rate variability using SDNN, RMSSD, and/or HF indices. The exclusion criteria stablished were those studies that did not involve sexual violence victims or the measurement of heart rate variability using SDNN, RMSSD, and/or HF to directly associate these components, studies that did not provide specific HRV evaluation results for the SVV groups, and systematic reviews. The search terms chosen were: ““Sex Offense”” OR ““Sex Offenses”” OR ““Sexual Assault”” OR ““Sexual Assaults”” OR ““Sexual Assaults”” OR ““Sexual Violence”” OR ““Sexual Violences”” OR ““Sexual Abuse”” OR ““Sexual Abuses”” AND “HRV” OR “Heart Rate Variability”, resulting in a total of 18 articles in all three databases after excluding duplicates. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, five studies were qualitatively analyzed regarding HRV data among sexual violence victims. In studies comparing HRV index measurements in SVV and non-SVV groups and/or measurements before and after stimulus, differences between groups were considered for the analysis. Methods for this measurement included: 24-hour Holter monitoring, Electrocardiogram, and Firstbeat Bodyguard. Studies evaluating HRV in victims of sexual abuse at baseline, over a specified period of time, or in response to a stressful/stimulating task were included.

Results

Among the five reviewed studies, three highlighted a significant reduction in HRV among individuals with SVV, suggesting an association between this condition and decreased HRV. While one comparative study found no statistical differences between SVV and non-SVV groups (p &gt; alpha), two others indicated that the SVV group exhibited significantly lower HRV (p &lt; alpha).

Conclusions

These findings suggest a potential link between SVV and reduced HRV, indicating a potentially elevated cardiovascular risk in this group. However, limitations such as varied methodologies, distinct objectives, and small sample sizes require further studies to investigate whether the initial findings will be replicated. Thus, a broader analysis is needed to fully understand this association and implement appropriate preventive intervention strategies against cardiovascular problems.

Disclosure

No.