Sympathovagal imbalance is enhanced by smoking in Saudi male young adults with prehypertension

Abstract

Background and Aim: Hypertension and smoking are among the most common universal risk factors for heart attack and stroke, involving the impairment of the autonomic nervous system. Therefore, in this study, we aim to investigate the contribution of smoking to sympathovagal imbalance (SVI) in prehypertension. Methods: Hundred and twenty-two male subjects aged 19-30 years were classified into nonsmoker normotensive ( n = 38), nonsmoker prehypertensive ( n = 38), smoker normotensive ( n = 30), and smoker prehypertensive ( n = 16). SVI was assessed from low-frequency power to high-frequency power (LF-HF ratio) and correlated with number of cigarette smoked/day in all the groups by Pearson's correlation. Results: LF-HF ratio, LF and LF in normalized units were significantly ( P P P P Conclusion: In prehypertensive smokers, SVI was linked to number of cigarette smoking. Stopping smoking would enable to achieve the sympathovagal balance and BP homeostasis in prehypertensives.