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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.
Introduction:
Cardiac Autonomic Dysfunction (CAD) is an overlooked cardiovascular risk factor in individuals with obesity-related hypertension. Despite its clinical significance, there is a notable lack of clarity regarding the pathophysiological correlates involved in its onset and progression.
Aim:
The present study aimed to identify potential predictors of CAD in obesity-related hypertension.
Methods:
A total of 72 participants (34 men and 38 women) were enrolled. Comprehensive evaluations were conducted, including cardiac autonomic function assessments, body composition estimation and biochemical analysis. Participants were categorized as CAD-positive or CAD-negative based on Ewing's criteria for autonomic dysfunction. Univariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify potential predictors for CAD. Multivariate logistic regression models were further constructed by adjusting clinically relevant covariates to identify independent predictors of CAD.
Results:
Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that resting heart rate (HRrest), (odds ratio, confidence interval: 0.85, 0.78-0.93; p = 0.001) and percentage body fat (BF%), (odds ratio, confidence interval: 0.78, 0.64-0.96; p = 0.018) were significant independent predictors of CAD. Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis depicted optimal cut-off values for HRrest and BF% as > 74.1 bpm and > 33.6%, respectively. Multicolinearity analysis showed variance inflation factors (VIF) below the cautionary threshold of 3.
Conclusions:
The HRrest and BF% emerged as significant independent predictors of CAD in obesity-related hypertension. Therapeutic strategies should target HRrest < 74.1 bpm and BF% < 33.6% to mitigate CAD risk in this population. Future trials are required to establish causal relationships and may consider additional confounding variables in obesity-related hypertension.
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