EVALUATION OF CARDIOVASCULAR AUTONOMIC FUNCTION TESTS IN OBESE AND NON-OBESE HEALTHY INDIANS

Abstract

Autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a centre for the coordination of different body systems. Since the ANS is involved in energy metabolism and in the regulation of almost all visceral systems. It is conceivable that one or more subgroups of persons with idiopathic obesity have an alteration in their autonomic nervous system that may account for several clinical consequences of obesity. This observational study was conducted to find the association of Autonomic Function Tests among obese and non-obese participants. Among 90 participants, 45 were obese and 45 were non-obese, aged 18-40 years of either gender was enrolled after getting their voluntary written consent. In both the groups, Cold Pressure Test and Hand Grip Test were performed for evaluating sympathetic functions. Standing test (30:15 RR Ratio), Standing to Lying ratio, and Valsalva ratio were performed for evaluating parasympathetic functions. Chi-square and unpaired t test was employed for statistical analysis. A statistically significant association of Autonomic Function Tests among obese and non-obese participants was found as per BMI and Body Fat Percentage criteria. Study explored that obesity was associated with ANS dysfunction as compared to non-obese; this relationship was observed primarily in terms of sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. The results of this study are indicative of autonomic insufficiency among obese participants.