Gender differences in circulatory adjustment to head-up tilt test in health

Abstract

Background: A tilt table test is a useful, non-invasive technique that has been used for the last few decades to detect autonomic failure. The response to tilting may vary physiologically between sexes. Aim of the study: To assess the gender-specific changes in cardiovascular response to a tilt test in healthy subjects. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 90 healthy males and females aged 18 - 60 years, from 2019 to 2020. Forty- five male subjects and 45 female subjects were included. Using a motorized tilt table, a tilt table test was performed at 60 degrees for 10 minutes. An automatic sphygmomanometer was used to measure blood pressure (BP), and heart rate (HR) and a pulse oximeter was used for the measurement of peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2). An independent sample t test, a multiple regression analysis and a chi squared test were conducted for statistical analyses. Results: A significantly greater drop in systolic blood pressure (SBP) was observed in females, compared to males after tilting. In 5.5% of the subjects, orthostatic intolerance occurred, but there were no significant age or gender- specific differences in subjects with orthostatic intolerance. Conclusion: This study concluded that in response to tilting, cardiovascular response was less pronounced in females.