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Published on: September 11, 2018
The association between sympatho-vagal balance and central blood pressures
P L Latchman1, G Gates2, J Pereira3
11Department of Health and Movement Sciences, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT, USA.
Insights
The low to high frequency ratio (LF/HF) shows an inverse association with central blood pressure augmentation (AP, AIx@75) in both men and women. However, associations with central systolic blood pressure (CSBP) were only observed in men.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Autonomic Nervous System Function
- Hypertension Research
Background:
- Central blood pressure (CPs) is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than peripheral blood pressure.
- Increased sympathetic tone (ST) is linked to CVD, with the LF/HF ratio assessing sympatho-vagal balance.
- Understanding the interplay between sympathetic activity and central hemodynamics is crucial for CVD risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the LF/HF ratio and measures of central blood pressure (CPs) and central pressure augmentation (CPsA).
- To examine these associations collectively in men and women and separately by gender.
Main Methods:
- Measured LF/HF ratio, central systolic blood pressure (CSBP), augmentation pressure (AP), and augmentation index @ 75 beats·min-1 (AIx@75) in 102 participants.
- LF/HF ratio determined by power spectral density analysis.
- CPs and CPsA measured using applanation tonometry.
Main Results:
- An inverse association was found between the LF/HF ratio and AP (r = -0.26) and AIx@75 (r = -0.29) in the combined group.
- In men, the LF/HF ratio was inversely associated with CSBP (r = -0.27), AP (r = -0.28), and AIx@75 (r = -0.32).
- No significant associations were observed between the LF/HF ratio and these parameters in women.
Conclusions:
- An inverse relationship exists between sympatho-vagal balance (LF/HF ratio) and central pressure augmentation (AP, AIx@75) in a combined cohort.
- Gender-specific differences were observed in the associations between sympatho-vagal balance and central hemodynamic parameters, including CSBP.
Purpose:
High central blood pressure is more predictive of cardiovascular disease (CVD) versus high peripheral blood pressure. Measures of central pressures (CPs) include, central systolic blood pressure (CSBP) and central diastolic blood pressure. Measures of central pressures augmentation (CPsA) include augmentation pressure (AP) and the augmentation index @ 75 beats·min-1 (AIx@75). Increased sympathetic tone (ST) is also associated with CVD. The low to high frequency ratio (LF/HF) is often used to determine sympatho-vagal balance. Given the association between ST, CPs, CPsA and CVD there is a need to understand the association between these predictors of CVD. The aims of this study were to examine the association between the LF/HF ratio, CPs, and CPsA in men and women collectively and based on gender.
Methods:
We measured the LF/HF ratio, CSBP, AP, and AIx@75 in 102 participants (41F/61M). The LF/HF ratio was determined via power spectral density analysis. CSBP, AP, and AIx@75 were determined via applanation tonometry.
Results:
The LF/HF ratio was inversely associated with AP (r = -0.26) and AIx @75 (r = -0.29) in the combined group of men and women. The LF/HF ratio was inversely associated with CSBP (r = -0.27), AP (r = -0.28), and AIx@75 (r = -0.32) in men, but not in women.
Conclusion:
There is an inverse association between the LF/HF ratio, AP, and AIx@75 in men and women combined. The association between the LF/HF ratio, CSBP, AP, and AIx@75, differs based on gender.
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