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Baroreflex sensitivity in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.
Miguel Anselmo1, Shandon Coffman2, Mia Larson1
1Division of Physical Therapy, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
Physiological Reports
|April 22, 2022
Summary
Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) is not impaired in individuals with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Elevated heart rate in FSHD patients may stem from reduced physical activity, not baroreflex dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Neuromuscular Disorders
- Autonomic Function Testing
Background:
- Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a genetic disorder causing skeletal muscle loss.
- Autonomic dysregulation is observed in FSHD, but baroreflex function remains unexamined.
- Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) is crucial for blood pressure regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) is impaired in patients with FSHD.
- To assess potential links between physical activity levels and autonomic function in FSHD.
Main Methods:
- Measured resting blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiovagal BRS in 13 FSHD patients and 17 controls.
- Assessed physical activity using the Activity Metabolic Index (AMI).
- Compared BRS, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate between groups.
Main Results:
- BRS (BRSup, BRSdown, total BRS) was similar between FSHD patients and controls.
- Mean arterial pressure was comparable between groups.
- FSHD patients exhibited a higher heart rate, but this was linked to lower physical activity (AMI) and disappeared when controlling for AMI.
Conclusions:
- Baroreflex sensitivity is not attenuated in individuals with FSHD.
- Elevated heart rate in FSHD may be associated with reduced physical activity due to limited mobility, rather than autonomic dysfunction.
- Further research should explore the impact of reduced mobility on cardiovascular health in FSHD.
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