Role of autonomic nervous system and hemodynamics in cardiovascular homeostasis after orthostatic stress

Autonomic control of hemodynamics is crucial to maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis after orthostasis. Our goal was to assess the effect of passive orthostatic stress on cardiovascular hemodynamics regulation by analysis of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and gender influence on the variables. We used a passive 70 degrees tilt test as an orthostatic maneuver. For SNA measurements we used FFT for HRV and SBPV, temporal sequences and alpha index to calculate baroreceptor gain. Hemodynamic data was calculated non-invasively by modelflow. Orthostatic stress induces a rise in heart rate (+15%), total peripheral resistance (+28%), sympathetic tonus (LF_nu: +32%; LF_pas: +64%) and a reduction in cardiac output (-28%), systolic volume (-43%), and vagal activity both tonic (HF_nu:-115%) and reflex (BRG:-103%). Females had higher vagal activity regardless of position. We concluded that the autonomic nervous system plays a crucial role in cardiovascular hemodynamics control to maintain homeostasis after orthostatic stress.