Abstract

Background: There has been an alarming emergence of hypertension worldwide. Its increasing prevalence in young generation is a significant factor for the development of autonomic and metabolic disorders. Major causes of hypertensive pattern are increasing work stress, strict deadlines and high expectations among corporate population. High blood pressure can lead to autonomic imbalance and can alter metabolic parameters
Objective: The present study was undertaken to compare the arterial blood pressure (BP), Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Random Blood Sugar (RBS) levels in software professionals. Material and Methods: Seventy four male software professionals of Infosys software company, Mangalore, Karnataka, India in the age group of 21–45 years of a batch who participated in an annual health check up camp were divided into two groups based on their BP recordings. 21 were normotensives and 53 hypertensives. Anthropometric measurements were taken. Their BP was recorded in supine position. Deep breathing HRV test was conducted. Random blood glucose levels were determined by glucose oxidase method. HRV and RBS levels were compared statistically between the two groups. Results - Hypertensives had significantly lesser HRV (p=0.028) and greater random blood glucose (p =0.0009) compared to normotensives. Conclusion - Hypertensive software professionls have lower heart rate variability and increased blood glucose levels. Blood pressure is inversely proportional to heart rate variability. Hypothalamo-adrenal activity mediated increased sympathetic drive in hypertension increases the glucose levels.