Association of heart rate variability indices with inflammatory markers in non-diabetic obese dyslipidemic middle aged Saudi population

Background and Aim: It has been documented that obesity is associated with diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia that are known cardiovascular (CV) risks. However, there are few obese individuals, who do not develop diabetes early. In the present study, we have assessed the association of inflammatory markers in non-diabetic dyslipidemic obese subjects, as metabolic biomarkers have not been adequately studied in obesity without diabetes, especially in the assessment of CV risks. Methods: Twenty non-diabetic obese dyslipidemic subjects (study group) and 20 healthy non-obese subjects (control group) were included in this study. They were assessed for their body mass index (BMI) and heart rate variability (HRV) indices. Glucose, insulin, lipid profile and inflammatory markers were estimated from the fasting serum sample. Association of HRV with various parameters was determined by Pearson's correlation analysis. Results: The basal CV parameters, HRV, lipid profile, glucose, insulin and the inflammatory markers were significantly altered and correlated with ratio of low frequency to high frequency (LF: HF ratio), a marker of sympathovagal imbalance (SVI) in the study group when compared with the control group. Conclusion: SVI in the form of increased sympathetic and decreased parasymapathetic activity occurs in non-diabetic obese dyslipidemic subjects. Association of BMI, metabolic parameters and chronic low grade inflammation with LF: HF ratio may partly explain their augmented risks to future cardiac morbidities.