ABSTRACT
Objectives: Obesity is on the rise in our country once viewed as a sign of prosperity it is a contributing factor to diseases. The purpose of this study is to see whether obesity has an effect on the heart rate of the subject by comparing and possibly contrasting the heart rate variability in obese and non-obese males.Materials and methods: Out of 100 participants, 50 healthy male obese (BMI >25kg/m2) individuals and 50 healthy male non-obese individuals (BMI <25kg/m2) of age group 35yrs-55yrs were taken from the general population. The ECG was recorded and HRV were derived from it. Results were compared by using independent ‘t’ test and Pearson’s correlation test was done for BMI and HRV. P < 0.05 was considered as significant.Results: HRV parameters and heart rate between the two groups LF, HF and HFnu, was found to be significantly reduced and LFnu and LF/HF was found to be significantly higher in obese persons. The correlation of BMI with the parameters such as ratio of LF/HF, normalised units of LF and HF revealed a significantly negative relation with HFnu. A positive relationship was also observed between LFnu and LF/HF ratio. However, it was statistically not significant.Conclusion: The middle aged obese males had reduced parasympathetic activity associated with elevated sympathovagal modulation. This altered balance of the autonomic nervous system increases the risk of cardiovascular disorders.