Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 23, 2026
Calculating Heart Rate Variability from ECG Data from Youth with Cerebral Palsy During Active Video Game Sessions
Published on: June 5, 2019
Leptin, adiponectin, and heart rate variability among police officers
Luenda E Charles1, Cecil M Burchfiel, Khachatur Sarkisian
1Biostatistics and Epidemiology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, West Virginia.
Insights
Police officers with higher leptin levels show reduced heart rate variability (HRV), particularly those with increased body fat. This suggests leptin may contribute to cardiovascular disease risk in this population.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Metabolic Syndrome
Background:
- Police officers exhibit a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- Reduced heart rate variability (HRV) is a known risk factor for CVD.
- Leptin and adiponectin are hormones potentially linked to cardiovascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between leptin, adiponectin, and HRV in police officers.
- To determine if adiposity modifies the association between these variables and HRV.
Main Methods:
- Leptin and adiponectin levels were measured in 388 police officers.
- HRV was assessed using standardized methods.
- Analysis of variance, covariance, and linear regression models were employed to analyze data.
Main Results:
- Leptin, not adiponectin, was inversely associated with HRV.
- Body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat modified the association between leptin and low-frequency (LF) HRV.
- Inverse associations between leptin and LF HRV were significant in officers with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² and percent body fat ≥ 25.5%.
Conclusions:
- Leptin levels are inversely associated with LF HRV, especially in police officers with higher adiposity.
- Elevated leptin may be linked to increased risk of CVD-related health issues in this occupational group.
Objectives:
Police officers have a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Reduced heart rate variability (HRV) is known to increase CVD risk. Leptin and adiponectin may be related to CVD health. Therefore, our objective was to investigate the relationship between these variables and HRV.
Methods:
Leptin and adiponectin levels were measured in 388 officers from the Buffalo Cardio-Metabolic Occupational Police Stress study. HRV was assessed according to methods published by the Task Force of the European Society of Cardiology and the North American Society of Pacing Electrophysiology for measurement and analysis of HRV. Mean values of high-frequency (HF) and low-frequency (LF) HRV were compared across tertiles of leptin and adiponectin using analysis of variance and analysis of covariance; trends were assessed using linear regression models.
Results:
Leptin, but not adiponectin, was significantly and inversely associated with HRV. Body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat significantly modified the association between leptin and LF (but not HF) HRV. Among officers with BMI < 25 kg/m(2) , leptin was not significantly associated with HRV. However, among officers with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2) , leptin was inversely associated with HRV, after adjustment for age, gender, and race/ethnicity; HF HRV, P = 0.019 and LF HRV, P < 0.0001. Similarly, among officers with percent body fat ≥ 25.5%, leptin and LF HRV showed significant, inverse associations (adjusted P = 0.001).
Conclusions:
Leptin levels were inversely associated with LF HRV, especially among officers with increased adiposity. Increased leptin levels may be associated with CVD-related health problems.
More Related Videos
05:45Experimental Approach to Examine Leptin Signaling in the Carotid Bodies and its Effects on Control of Breathing
Published on: October 25, 2019
05:48Autonomic Function Following Concussion in Youth Athletes: An Exploration of Heart Rate Variability Using 24-hour Recording Methodology
Published on: September 21, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:30Factors Influencing Heart Rate
Let us explore the significant factors affecting heart rate, including age, body temperature, posture, acute pain, chemical influences,...
01:31Regulation of Heart Rates
The SNS increases heart rate through the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine, which act on beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart. This action increases the rate of depolarization in the sinoatrial (SA) node, the heart's...
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
01:19Cardiac Output I:Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output (CO) refers to the total amount of blood ejected by one of the ventricles in liters per minute (L/min). In a resting adult, CO ranges from 5 to 6 L/min, adjusting according to the body's metabolic requirements.
Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output adapts to metabolic demands during stress, physical activity, or illness. The autonomic nervous system regulates heart rate via the sinoatrial node. The parasympathetic nervous system decreases heart...