Cardiac Autonomic Response During a Cold Pressor Test in Normal and Overweight Adults

Abstract

Objective: Aim of this study was to assess and compare the cardiac autonomic activity in normal and overweight adults. Methods: The study included 50 subjects of which 22 were boys and 28 girls in the age group of 17-20 years. The subjects were divided into groups 1 and 2 based on their BMI levels (Group 1: BMI 25 and Group 2: BMI >25). ECG recording was done during normal breathing, deep breathing and cold pressor conditions. HRV was recorded and analyzed by the time domain method, in accordance with the standards of measurement and interpretation defined by the Task Force of the European Society of Cardiology. Analysis of HRV in the time domain was done using the software version 1.1 AIIMS, New-Delhi. The data obtained was analyzed using student T test followed by Mann-Whitney U test and P 0.05 was considered significant. Results: In the time domain method, the mean value of SDANN in group 1 was higher than in group 2. Conclusion: The study thus concluded that subjects with a normal BMI showed a better HRV response to Cold pressor test, indicating a better parasympathetic activity as compared to obese subjects.