Abstract
BackgroundSocial phobia shares symptoms with arrhythmias, such as palpitations and chest discomfort. However, it is unclear how social phobia is associated with the actual risk of arrhythmia. This study aimed to investigate whether social phobia is associated with the risk of arrhythmia using a nationally representative sample cohort.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study assessed data from the 2002–2013 Korean National Health Insurance Service National Sample Cohort. Using 1:3 propensity score matching for sex, age, income, and insurance status, 1514 patients with social phobia and 4542 control group patients were included in the study. Social phobia and arrhythmia were defined per the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision. Using cox proportional hazard regression, hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated to estimate the risk of arrhythmia in patients with social phobia.ResultsThere were statistically significant associations between social phobia history and elevated risks of arrhythmia. Patients with social phobia had a higher risk of arrhythmia after adjusting with covariates (HR = 1.78, 95%CI = 1.25–2.55). Among different types of arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation and flutter presented the highest risk (HR = 2.20, CI = 1.06–4.57) compared to paroxysmal tachycardia (HR = 1.07, CI = 0.39–2.91) and other cardiac arrhythmias (HR = 1.83, CI = 1.16–2.89).ConclusionThis study identified the association between social phobia and the risk of arrhythmia in a South Korean representative cohort. These results suggest that social phobia should be treated properly to reduce arrhythmia risks.
Highlights
Social phobia shares symptoms with arrhythmias, such as palpitations and chest discomfort
Unlike results from the univariate analysis, individuals with social phobia had 1.78 times higher risks of arrhythmia after adjusting with covariates (HR = 1.78, 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) = 1.25–2.55)
Hypertension was a statistically significant factor affecting the risk of arrhythmia (HR = 3.50, 95% CI = 2.46–5.00), as was hyperthyroidism (HR = 1.87, 95%CI = 1.15–3.04)
Summary
Social phobia shares symptoms with arrhythmias, such as palpitations and chest discomfort. This study aimed to investigate whether social phobia is associated with the risk of arrhythmia using a nationally representative sample cohort. Psychiatric disorders and psychological conditions have been associated with the occurrence of physical illness [1,2,3,4]. Cultural contexts affect the prevalence of this disease; yet, its lifetime prevalence is considered to be higher than 10% [15,16,17] Since these symptoms occur in specific social situations, many patients avoid the same and rarely utilize mental health management or treatment services [18]. Many patients with social anxiety disorder have reported experiencing palpitations that feel like arrhythmia. Relevant results could serve as the basis for improving treatments for both arrhythmia and social anxiety disorder
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
