Visceral fat correlation with sympathetic neuronal activity in women

Aim: The present study is undertaken to find out if obesity especially, visceral fat has any correlation with cardiovascular sympathetic activity in female undergraduate medical students. Materials and methods: 24 females with mean age of 20 ± 2 of same community participated in the study. They were divided into 2 groups: Group I- Normal (BMI < 25), Group II –Obese (BMI > 30). Group II was again divided in to two subgroups, with normal visceral fat (VF), with increased visceral fat (>10). Visceral fat, BMI and resting metabolism were measured using OMRON HBF - 362. Base line systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured. Sympathetic nerve activity was assessed using hand grip dynamometer, 30% of Tmax was calculated and simultaneously BP changes were monitored. Results: Results were assessed using ‘t’ test. A statistically significant difference (< 0.05) was observed in resting metabolism, baseline SBP, DBP and sympathetic activity between normal and obese groups. Baseline SBP varied significantly with visceral fat within the obese group. Conclusion: The present study shows obesity increases sympathetic activity and visceral fat plays an important role in regulation of baseline BP, especially SBP even in young girls.