Differential Profiles of Cortisol, Components of Autonomic Nervous System, and Self-Rated Health in Premature Ventricular Contraction: An Observational Study of Three Circadian Types

Objective: Premature ventricular contraction (PVC) exhibits one of the three circadian patterns, namely fast-type, slow-type, and independent-type. This study aimed to investigate whether the cortisol-marker of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, autonomic nervous system activity, and perceptive self-rated health are associated with the three PVC circadian types. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study recruited 65 idiopathic PVC subjects (23 fast-, 20 slow-, and 22 independent-type) as well as 5 control subjects. Each subject underwent a 24-hour Holter to examine PVC burden and heart rate variability, collected saliva for cortisol and norepinephrine level measurement at 6–7 am, 10–11 am, and 10–11 pm, and recorded their self-rated health scales. Furthermore, univariate and multiple linear regression were conducted to investigate the associations between the independent variables and PVC burden. Results: The average PVC burden was 15.7%, 8.5%, and 13.6% in fast-, slow-, and independent-type idiopathic PVCs, respectively. Multiple linear regression showed that the high burden of fast-type idiopathic PVC was associated with higher cortisol levels and lower parasympathetic nervous system tone. The high burden of slow-type idiopathic PVC was associated with lower cortisol levels and lower sympathetic nervous system tone. Meanwhile, in independent-type idiopathic PVC, the high burden was associated with higher cortisol levels and sympathetic nervous system tone as well as lower self-rated health scales. Conclusion: Each PVC circadian type is uniquely related to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, autonomic nervous system, and self-rated health. Assessment of PVC circadian type needs to be carried out routinely considering the differences in the underlying associated factors.