Correlation between body fat mass indices and heart rate variability in postmenopausal women with high body mass index

ABSTRACT

Background: Well known facts for the rise in blood pressure, blood glucose, and cardiovascular diseases are the body fat mass that has become a major public health issue that correspond to health problems. Activation of sympathetic nervous system is directly proportional to body fat mass that results in an autonomic impairment. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study is to compare body fat mass indices and heart rate variability (HRV) (Frequency Domain) in high body mass index (BMI) postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: This research was directed on 104 postmenopausal women of age group 45–60 years grouped them into two. Group 1 having normal BMI (18.50–24.99) and Group 2 having high BMI >25.00 based on Asian’s classification for BMI. Approval from the Institutional Ethical Committee was obtained before beginning the study. Short-term HRV was measured in each participant by a 5-min frequency domain analysis. Results: Unpaired t-test was used to analyze all parameters of the study (control and study group). The result showed a lower level of parasympathetic and a higher sympathetic activity in the study group when matched against the control group. Conclusion: Body fat mass indices and HRV are inversely proportional in high BMI postmenopausal women and they more likely to suffer from cardiometabolic disorders in early.