Abstract

Background: Autonomic nervous system control is a major determinant in various cardiovascular diseases. Onset of menopause in women results in increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. Early assessment of the changes in autonomic activity after menopause can help reduce the prevalence of cardiovascular mortality in women. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study is to compare the parasympathetic autonomic nervous system activity in age-matched pre- and postmenopausal women.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the physiology department of Government Medical College, Amritsar. Two groups of 40 women each were enrolled in the study. We enrolled pre-menopausal women in Group I and post-menopausal women in Group II. Parasympathetic nervous system assessment was done using 30:15 ratio, standing: lying ratio (S: L ratio), Valsalva ratio, and deep breathing test (DBT). Statistical analysis of the collected data was done using student t-test.
Results: Parasympathetic functions tests did not reveal any significant change in the mean 30:15 ratio, S: L ratio, Valsalva ratio, and the mean value for DBT (P > 0.05). Conclusion: No significant variation in parasympathetic activity between the pre-menopausal and post-menopausal groups was observed.