Heart Rate Variability in Overweight Individuals in supine and standing postures

Abstract

Aim: To assess the autonomic function in overweight individuals, in supine and standing postures, using short term HRV test.Methods: This study was conducted in40 normal weight individuals (BMI 20-23), and 40 overweight individuals (BMI 27-30), using short term HRV test.Results: The changes in HRV values with change in posture were significantly reduced in overweight individuals. (?SDNN, p<0.05); (?RMSSD, p<0.01) ;( ?NN50,p<0.05); (?pNN50,p<0.05); LF, p<0.01 ; HF , p<0.05;( ? LF/HF, p<0.01) compared to healthy controls.Conclusion: This study demonstrates that autonomic dysfunction may be presented in asymptomatic over weight individuals. Earlier detection of autonomic dysfunction in overweight individuals could lead to medical intervention and lifestyle changes aimed at preventing obesity and its associated complications. However this study has a limitation in not accounting for visceral obesity in specific. More prospective studies are required to validate this inference.