Effect of Body Mass Index on Cardiac Autonomic Functional Status in Healthy Young Adults

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Autonomic nervous system (ANS) is involvedin energy metabolism and regulation of the cardiovascularsystem. Autonomic dysfunction has been suggested tooccur in obese individuals in both adults and children but acomprehensive study of the autonomic status in young adultsis scant. So aim of the study was to evaluate and comparecardiovascular autonomic functions in young adults on thebasis of BMI.Material and methods: 150 healthy young students of MMUaged 18–25 years, divided into four groups based on BMI asper Asian criteria (underweight, normal weight, overweightand obese). Various autonomic function tests done were Lyingto Standing test, Valsalva manoeuvre, Hand grip test (HGT)and Cold pressor test (CPT).Results: The mean baseline SBP and DBP were significantlyhigher in obese subjects followed by overweight, normalweight and under weight. No parasympathetic alterationbetween different BMI groups was seen. Mean values ofresting SBP and DBP were significantly higher and bloodpressure response to HGT and CPT was significantly lower inobese as compared to normal weight subjects.Conclusion: Our study revealed an altered autonomicfunction in the form of impaired sympathetic activity withno parasympathetic modulation in obese young adults. Soweight reduction and moderate intensity aerobic exerciseprogrammes should be incorporated into daily living, whichmay delay or prevent the onset of hypertension.