Background:The alterations in extracellular calcium level may influence intracellular calcium level and possibly play a role in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension.Aim:The purpose was to find out the association between serum calcium levels and hypertension; and to compare the serum calcium levels between normotensive controls, hypertensive subjects on calcium channel blockers, and hypertensive subjects on antihypertensive medication other than calcium channel blockers.Materials and Methods:Thirty one individuals including normotensives (n = 12) and hypertensives (n = 19) were enrolled for the study and their blood pressure recorded. Hypertensive group was sub divided into two: hypertensives on calcium channel blockers and hypertensives on antihypertensive medication other than calcium channel blockers. Serum calcium levels were measured by Accucare Calcium Arsenazo III kit. Differences between the groups were analyzed using ANOVA.Results:No significant difference in serum calcium level was found between normotensive and hypertensive groups; and no correlation was found between calcium levels and the blood pressure. Also the difference in serum calcium levels in hypertensive group on calcium channel blockers and those on antihypertensive other than calcium channel blockers was insignificant.Conclusions:Serum calcium levels are tightly regulated. Subtle changes in serum levels do not affect blood pressure.

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is an obligatory duty for muslims. Researchers have investigated health benefits of fasting and reported conflicting results. The purpose of this study was to determine the immediate and delayed effects of Ramadan fasting on spirometric parameters. 50 apparently healthy young adults aged between 17-27 years, belonging to both genders who fast during the month of Ramadan were enrolled for the study. Spirometric recordings were done at three different time points. First: 5-10 days before the start of Ramadan (Pre-Ramadan); second: within 10 days of the beginning of Ramadan fasting (Ramadan); third: within 7 days of the end of Ramadan (Post-Ramadan). There were no statistically significant differences between the three phases with respect to tidal volume (TV), inspiratory reserve volume (IRV), expiratory reserve volume (ERV), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and forced expiratory flow 25% to 75% (FEF25-27). To conclude, Ramadan fasting does not have any significant effect on pulmonary function tests as assessed by spirometry. Hence, the diagnosis and prognosis of a respiratory disorder made on spirometry findings are reliable and need no error correction if an individual is fasting.

Physiological variation of estrogen and progesterone during menstrual cycle is well known. They not only have an effect on blood pressure control, but also seem to have a role in regulating arterial compliance. This study was done to find out whether there are any changes in central arterial parameters during different phases of menstrual cycle. Thirty female subjects in the age group of 18-22 years with normal, regular menstrual cycles participated in this prospective observational study at our teaching hospital. Anthropometric parameters were recorded. Blood pressure in all 4 limbs was recorded using cardiovascular risk analyzer-Periscope™ on Day 3rd to 5th (follicular phase), Day 12th to 14th (ovulation phase), Day 22nd to 24th (luteal phase) of their menstrual cycle. We collected blood samples during these three phases for estimation of estradiol and progesterone by ELISA technique. Analysis of variance and correlation statistics were done using SPSS 17.0 statistical software. No significant statistical changes were observed in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure, aortic systolic pressure, aortic diastolic pressure, aortic augmentation pressure, aortic index and pulse wave velocity during the three recorded phases of the menstrual cycle. There are many studies which correlate changes in peripheral artery blood pressure with different phases of menstrual cycle. But there is scarcity in data available which correlates central arterial pressures and arterial stiffness with natural hormonal variations in different phases of menstrual cycle. However, our results show that although there are subtle changes in blood pressure parameters along with estrogen and progesterone levels throughout the menstrual cycle, yet these were not statistically significant.

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Background: The use of mobile phone has increased excessively these days which can have a deleterious effect on human tissues and organs, especially cardiovascular system (CVS). The effects on CVS can be detected at an early stage by analyzing alterations in heart rate variability (HRV). Aims and Objectives: This study was designed to determine the effect of mobile phone use with different components of HRV. Materials and Methods: In our study, HRV was measured in 95 college-going students (males: 49 and females: 46) using RMS Polyrite-D during 3 phases with each phase being recorded continuously for 2 min. Phase 1: Basal recording; Phase 2: Mobile phone use during active call with direct contact to the ear; and Phase 3: Mobile phone use during active call with earphones. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using repeated measures non-parametric test followed by multiple comparison tests. Results: There was a significant increase in mean HR and decrease in mean RR interval from baseline through Phase 3 to Phase 2. This study shows that there was statistically significant change in root of the mean of the sum of the squares of differences (RMSSD), low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and LF/HF ratio between basal recording and during active call (direct contact of mobile phone to the ear and also with use of earphones); however, no change was seen between direct contact of mobile phone to the ear and during the use of earphones. Standard deviation of all normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN) did not show any significant change. We also observed gender differences in some of the HRV parameters. Conclusion: There is a considerable effect of mobile phone use on HR and HRV parameters. Furthermore, the changes noted were less with earphone use compared with the use of mobile phone in direct contact with the ear though these differences were not significant statistically.