Comparative Study of Sympathetic Activity in Normotensive Obese and Nonobese Adults

Aim: The aim of the study is to assess sympathetic activity in Obese Normotensive subjects Objectives: To investigate any changes in sympathetic activity in Normotensive obese subjects using Cold Pressor test Method: 50 Obese subjects of both genders between age group 18-25 years with BMI>25kg/m2 were selected as study group and 50 age matched subjects of both the genders with BMI<25Kg/m2 were selected as control group. Sympathetic activity was assessed using Cold pressor test. In this test, After recording the resting blood pressure (BP), the subject was asked to immerse his hand in cold water (temperature maintained between 5°–9°C). BP measurement from other arm was done at 30 sec interval for two minutes using continuous ambulatory Blood pressure monitoring, after which the subject was asked to remove the hand from cold water. Maximum increase in Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) was taken as test response. Results: Statistical analysis was done using unpaired t test.Increase in diastolic blood pressure with Cold pressor test in study group was significantly increased compared to control group. Conclusion: Increased sympathetic activity is seen in obese normotensive subjects,which is a risk factor for future development of hypertension and other complications associated with increased sympathetic activity.weight loss and maintanence of healthy lifestyle is suggested to the subjects to prevent the future complications.