Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular reactivity (CVR) is an increase in heart rate and blood pressure when exposed to stress. Increased CVR due to stress is an indicator of developing hypertension. In this study, we explored to know if exaggerated CVR and obesity are related to each other.
Objective: (1) To understand the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and CVR in normotensive young adults. (2) To compare the changes on the cardiovascular parameters, such as heart rate, blood pressure, stiffness index, reflection index, and pulse transit time, before and after exercise.
Materials and Methods: Institutional ethics committee (human studies) clearance was obtained and a convenient sampling of 32 males and 32 females was done based on their age (>18 to <25 years) and normotensive status. Baseline blood pres- sure, heart rate, and 5 min of finger photoplethysmography results were recorded. Pulse wave contour analysis gave the pulse transit time, stiffness index, and reflection index. With a pedometer hooked to the waistband, the subject was asked to walk around the department corridor with an average speed of 100 steps in 1 min to count 3,000 steps in 30 min. After 3,000 steps, heart rate, blood pressure, and finger photoplethysmography for 5 min were immediately measured in supine lying position. Pearson’s correlation method and paired t-test were performed with statistical significance set at p-value of <0.05. Result: A trend of positive correlation of statistically nil or less significance existed between BMI and various reactivity measures such as heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. Conclusion: Autonomic nervous system is the most powerful energy-saving regulatory system in our body. Failure of this system will lead to deposition of fat in one’s body causing obesity. Reduced autonomic activity in subjects with obesity is a suspected risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity.