Variations in heart rate during rest and deep breathe in pregnant and nonpregnant women in rural area

Introduction: Pregnancy is associated with various physiological changes. There is an increase in heart rate (HR) due to increase volume overload or decrease baroreceptor sensitivity. It occurs mainly due to changes in the autonomic activity. The aim of the study was to assess the HR response during rest and deep breath in pregnant women in the different trimester and to compare with nonpregnant women. Material and Methods: In this case-control observational study, after the approval of the institutional ethics committee and board of research committee a total of 160 women aged from 20 to 25 years without any recent history of respiratory diseases were selected. One hundred and twenty participants were pregnant (case group) and 40 were nonpregnant (control group). The case group was equally divided into three trimesters. Resting HR (RHR) and HR response to deep breathing (E: I ratio) were measured in both the study group by automatic “Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy Analyzer” Statistical analyses were performed by One-way analysis of variance between the study groups and P < 0.05 was taken as significant. Results: Pregnancy is associated with a significant increase in RHR in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimester of pregnancy as compared to nonpregnant (control). In all trimesters of pregnancy, there was a significant decrease in HR during deep breathing as compared to nonpregnant women. Conclusion: These observed changes possibly reflect decreased vagal baroreflex control of the heart.