Effect of smoking on cardiovascular autonomic functions

Introduction: Cigarette smoking is a prime risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Chronic smoking results in autonomic dysfunction leading to increased cardiovascular risk in smokers. The present study was planned to study the effect of smoking on the Cardiovascular Autonomic Functions among smokers. Materials and Methods: Fifty male subjects who were in the age group of 25 to 45 years. They were grouped into 25 smokers and 25 non-smokers. The participant subjects were selected among the staff members, residents and the patients from the routine OPD in SVIMS. Prior to study, they were informed about the procedure and the purpose of the study tests and written consents were obtained from them. The Cardiovascular Autonomic Function Tests were assessed by using a POLYGRAPH which was available in the department. Results and Conclusion: After applying the ‘t’-test for the difference between the two sample means, it was observed that there was a highly significant difference between the mean values of the BMI(i.e.p<0.01) and the para-sympathetic function tests among the smokers and the non – smokers(i.e.p<0.00). The Resting Heart Rate had significantly increased and the Deep breathing difference, the postural tachycardial index (Response to standing) and the Valsalva Ratio had significantly decreased in the smokers as compared to those in the non – smokers. After applying the ‘t’-test for the difference between the two sample means, it was observed that there was no significant difference between the mean values of the Postural hypotension test (i.e. p>0.05) and that there was a highly significant difference between the mean values of the Sustained handgrip test in the smokers and the non – smokers (i.e. p<0.00).