Predictors of Cardiac Autonomic Dysfunction in Obesity-Related Hypertension

Aqsa Mujaddadi1, Saima Zaki1, Majumi M Noohu1

  • 1Centre for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, 110025, India.

Insights

Cardiac Autonomic Dysfunction (CAD) in obesity-related hypertension is predicted by resting heart rate and body fat percentage. Lowering these factors may reduce cardiovascular risk in affected individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Metabolic Health
  • Autonomic Neuroscience

Background:

  • Cardiac Autonomic Dysfunction (CAD) is a significant, yet often overlooked, cardiovascular risk factor in individuals with obesity-related hypertension.
  • Pathophysiological mechanisms underlying CAD onset and progression in this population remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify potential predictors of Cardiac Autonomic Dysfunction (CAD) specifically within the context of obesity-related hypertension.
  • To elucidate the relationship between physiological markers and the presence of CAD.

Main Methods:

  • Seventy-two participants with obesity-related hypertension underwent comprehensive assessments, including cardiac autonomic function tests, body composition analysis, and biochemical evaluations.
  • Participants were classified as CAD-positive or CAD-negative using Ewing's criteria.
  • Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to identify predictors of CAD, adjusting for relevant covariates.

Main Results:

  • Multivariate analysis identified resting heart rate (HRrest) and percentage body fat (BF%) as significant independent predictors of CAD.
  • Optimal cut-off values were determined: HRrest > 74.1 bpm and BF% > 33.6% were associated with increased CAD risk.
  • Variance inflation factors (VIF) were below the threshold of 3, indicating no significant multicollinearity.

Conclusions:

  • Resting heart rate and body fat percentage are key independent predictors of Cardiac Autonomic Dysfunction in obesity-related hypertension.
  • Therapeutic interventions targeting HRrest below 74.1 bpm and BF% below 33.6% may help mitigate CAD risk.
  • Further research is needed to establish causality and explore additional confounding variables.
Abstract

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