wombat,

To the best of my knowledge, there is no peer-reviewed research on the effects of cardiac arrythmia (irregular heart beat) on polygraph examinations. Note, however, that polygraphy has not been proven through peer-reviewed research to work at better-than-chance levels with those without chronic or acute medical conditions.

Before you consent to any polygraph "test," I suggest that you download and read AntiPolygraph.org's free e-book, The Lie Behind the Lie Detector. See especially chapters 1 and 3.

wombat,

There's really no way of telling. If your heart were to beat irregularly during the 20-30 second period following the asking of a question, it would presumably make your response to that question appear greater. Depending on whether that question was a relevant or a "control" question, such irregular heart beat might hurt or help you, respectively. But there is no way of knowing in advance when, during the course of a polygraph examination, irregular heartbeat might occur.

Wombat,

I agree with the other replies to your question. I would definitely consider informing the polygrapher as well as the agency if you’re applying for employment [not sure] prior to your scheduled polygraph exam.

Your specific medical situation “irregular heartbeat” could either play to your favor, or against you depending on the type of question asked at the given moment and time a possible irregular heartbeat may occur. 

Hopefully, you will not experience any heart beat irregularities during your polygraph testing. I suggest that you consider reading “TLBTLD” available for free on this website.

Knowledge is power, regardless of your situation. 

Be informed. 

Respectfully,
Triple x

wombat,

You may wish to review Chapter 3. No offence intended, but it appears that you have not fully understood it. The polygraph does not detect lies. Rather, deception with regard to relevant questions is inferred when reactions to them are stronger than reactions to corresponding "control" questions. Conversely, if reactions to the "control" questions are stronger, it is inferred that answers to the relevant questions were truthful.

You are correct in your impression that it is not terribly difficult to "trick" the polygraph.

wombat,

There are no studies, to my knowledge, that specifically address the notion that either tachycardia or bradycardia will effect the accuracy of a polygraph examination.    

Your condition may be construed as a heart condition, depending on the standard procedures of the examiner, and require a medical evaluation and doctors written approval prior to the administration of a polygraph.  I would suggest that you contact your examiner and ascertain whether or not you need to get a doctors approval prior to your scheduled polygraph.  This will help eliminate the possibility of needing to reschedule your exam.

Beta blockers are often prescribed for tachycardia together with high BP as it tends to increase stroke volume and attenuates rate. One, Propranolol, has been studied as to countermeasure properties and was found to have little effect except for some decrease in false positives (Gatchel et al, 1984), unpublished, Univ. of Texas. Presumably, polygraphers are not concerned by Beta blocker usage which is especially common for high BP treatment in younger patients.

-Marty

J.B.,

Thank you for your response.  Would I be far off if I said that past claims by individuals that the use of various medications altered their polygraph results were totally without basis?

Also, I have heard some local polygraph examiners say that the only "condition" that they know of that alters the outcome of the exam is when a person is a pathological liar.  Does this have any foundation?

Thanks in advance for all responses.

Regards,
Seeker