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Is There Any Relation Between Heart Palpitations And Failed Polygraph Exams?

Posted on Thu, 19 Jun 2014

Question: my client has suffered from heart palpitations since October 2013

since that time he has failed to pass polygraph examinations. all other evidence indicates he is truthful in his answers?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Desensitization for polygraph examination.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Polygraph examinations invoke anxiety for people and they succumb to higher heart rate and some palpitations.

So the next thing is to desensitize him for the polygraph with proper counseling and then take the test. For this he needs brief sittings with counselor before the polygraph test.

Do not subject him for testing till the counselor clears him.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli

Follow up: Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (3 hours later)

My client had successfully completed polygraph examinations for several years prior to his having heart palpitations.

Since the palpitations began he has been unsuccessful in passing a polygraph.

I am looking for research or medical opinion that such palpitations would have this effect?

Answered by Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
as below

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Did your client complain about palpitations only during testing? Arrhythmias are different from palpitations and former would influence the polygraph test.

I am not really aware that palpitations (subjective awareness of one's heart beat) influences the polygraph test. The only explanation that I could think of was in my previous reply.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli