Effect of obesity on cardiovascular sympathetic parameters: A comparative study

Background: Obesity is a global health burden. Accumulation of fat in body is associated with cardiovascular abnormalities. It is the need of the hour to conduct various autonomic function tests among obese subjects and create awareness of the drawback of obesity as it is a reversible lifestyle disorder. Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the autonomic cardiovascular parameters in obese adult males and females and compare the result with controls. Materials and Methods: Sympathetic cardiovascular parameters of both healthy obese and non-obese subjects were compared and correlated in a tertiary medical college and hospital. Criteria for obesity were according to the WHO criteria of body mass index. The tests were carried out with Mercury Sphygmomanometer. The data were collected; statistically analyzed and valid conclusions were drawn. Results: The baseline diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and the change in DBP after isometric exercise and cold pressure test when compared between obese and non-obese subjects found to be significant. Conclusions: Obesity by causing instability in autonomic function makes disorder in cardiovascular system which may lead to disease like hypertension in later life.