Influence of age and gender on blood pressure variability and baroreflex sensitivity in a healthy population in the Indian sub-continent

Abstract

Background The current exploratory study was aimed at estimating measures of blood pressure variability (BPV) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) in a healthy population in the Indian sub-continent. Methods One hundred and forty-two healthy subjects were recruited for the study. Blood pressure (BP) was recorded continuously for 15 min using the Finometer (Finapres Medical Systems, The Netherlands). For offline analysis, Nevrokard cardiovascular parameter analysis (CVPA) software (version 2.1.0) was used for BPV analysis. BRS was determined by spectral and sequence methods. One-way ANOVA and Bonferroni's test were used to compare parameters. Pearson's correlation coefficient was employed to look for possible associations between age and other continuous variables. Results Out of 196 screened volunteers, 54 were excluded and 142 subjects were grouped based on ages as 10-19 years (group 1), 20-29 years (group 2), 30-39 years (group 3), 40-49 years (group 4), and 50-59 years (group 5). Within groups, body mass index (BMI, p=0.000) and BP (systolic and diastolic) were significantly different. Post hoc analysis showed mean blood pressure (MBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) differing significantly between groups 1 and 4 (p<0.05 for both) along with other cardiovascular parameters. Age correlated positively with BMI and all parameters of BP. Significant gender differences were observed for stroke volume, cardiac output, up BRS, total BRS, peripheral resistance (PR), and aortic impedance. Conclusions Our study has provided reference values for BPV and BRS in an Indian population. It also indicates age-related neurocardiac imbalance and possible utility of these tests for screening at the start of neurocardiac damage in a healthy population.

Effects of age and sex on vasomotor activity and baroreflex sensitivity during the sleep–wake cycle

“…Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) is considered an index of cardiac autonomic regulation in humans; it comprises cardiovagal and sympathetic components, which are responsible for both short- and long-term blood pressure regulation 2 . In general, BRS and arterial pressure variability (APV) are crucial mechanisms underlying the neural regulation of the cardiovascular system 3 . Typically, daily activities are related to the state dependency of the patterned responses of cardiovascular function.…”

Comparison of Baroreflex Sensitivity and Cardiac Autonomic Function Between Adolescent Athlete and Non-athlete Boys – A Cross-Sectional Study

“…In the present study, we have assessed BRS and autonomic function in adolescent athlete and non-athlete boys. Age, obesity, and gender are the major factors known to influence BRS (Monahan, 2007; Skrapari et al, 2007; Adoor et al, 2018) and autonomic function (Sharma et al, 2015). To minimize the effects of these factors, we have recruited only age-matched male participants.…”

Neurodegenerative diseases and blood pressure variability: A comprehensive review from HOPE Asia

“…The effect of aging on BPV, both as a risk factor and as a consequence, still needs more confirmatory research because there are still studies with different results. Adoor and coworkers in explorative research on the healthy group found that aging affects the imbalance of neural regulation on cardiovascular so that there is a significant difference in BPV with aging and also significantly reduces baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) 52 . Long‐term BPV and BRS reduction on aging were also related to poor cardiovascular outcomes and increased mortality 51 .…”

“…Adoor and coworkers in explorative research on the healthy group found that aging affects the imbalance of neural regulation on cardiovascular so that there is a significant difference in BPV with aging and also significantly reduces baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). 52 Long‐term BPV and BRS reduction on aging were also related to poor cardiovascular outcomes and increased mortality. 51 On the other hand, Veerman and coworkers found that there was no effect of aging on BPV because BPV in resting conditions in the normotensive group did not significantly differ between the elderly group compared to the adolescent and adult groups; however, it was found that along with aging, there was a decrease in DBP variation when in standing position and decrease of pulse (R‐R) interval variability.…”