Autonomic cardiovascular regulation in obesity

in Journal of Endocrinology
Authors:
K Laederach-Hofmann
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,
L Mussgay
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, and
H Ruddel
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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1677/joe.0.1640059
Volume/Issue:
Volume 164: Issue 1
Article Type:
Other
Page Range:
59–66
Online Publication Date:
01 Jan 2000
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Obese persons suffer from an increased mortality risk supposedly due to cardiovascular disorders related to either continuously lowered parasympathetic or altered sympathetic activation. Our cross-sectional correlation study establishes the relationship between obesity and autonomic regulation as well as salivary cortisol levels. Three patient cohorts were sampled, covering ranges of body mass index (BMI) of 27-32 (n=17), 33-39 (n=13) and above 40 kg/m(2)(n=12), and stratified for age, sex and menopausal status. Autonomic cardiovascular regulation was assessed by use of heart rate variability and continuous blood pressure recordings. Spectral analytical calculation (discrete Fourier transformation) yields indices of sympathetic and parasympathetic activation and baroreflex sensitivity. Morning salivary cortisol was concurrently collected. Contrary to expectation, BMI and waist/hip ratio (WHR) were inversely correlated with sympathetic activity. This was true for resting conditions (r=-0.48, P<0.001; r=-0.33, P<0.05 for BMI and WHR respectively) and for mental challenge (r=-0.42, P<0.01 for BMI). Resting baroreflex sensitivity was strongly related to the degree of obesity at rest (BMI: r=-0.35, P<0.05) and for mental challenge (r=-0.53, P<0.001). Salivary cortisol correlated significantly with waist circumference (r=-0.34, P=0.05). With increasing weight, no overstimulation was found but a depression in sympathetic and parasympathetic activity together with a significant reduction in baroreflex functioning and in salivary cortisol levels.

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Print ISSN:
0022-0795
Online ISSN:
1479-6805
Page(s):
8
Article Type:
Other
Print Publication Date:
01 Jan 2000
Online Publication Date:
01 Jan 2000