Age and gender accounted for 52% of interindividual variation in baroreflex sensitivity, which was significantly higher in men than women (15.0 vs 10.2 ms/mmHg; P<0.01).
Cross-Sectional (n=117)
Physiological factors, particularly age and gender, significantly impact baroreflex sensitivity in healthy subjects, and depressed values often used to identify high-risk postinfarction patients are frequently found in healthy older individuals.
Absolute Event Rate: 15% vs 10.2%
p-value: p=<0.01
We evaluated the correlates of baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) in healthy subjects. The study consisted of 117 healthy, normal-weight, nonsmoking male and female subjects aged 23-77 yr. Baroreflex control of heart rate was measured by using the phenylephrine bolus-injection technique. Frequency- and time-domain analysis of heart rate variability and an exercise test were performed. Plasma norepinephrine, epinephrine, insulin, and arginine vasopressin concentrations and plasma renin activity were measured. In the univariate analysis, BRS correlated with age (r = -0.65, P 40 yr old and 18% of men > 60 yr old had markedly depressed BRS (< 3 ms/mmHg). We conclude that physiological factors, particularly age and gender, have significant impact on BRS in healthy subjects. In addition, we demonstrate that BRS values that have been proposed to be useful in identifying postinfarction patients at high risk of sudden death are frequently found in healthy subjects.
Laitinen et al. (1998) conducted a cross-sectional in Healthy subjects (n=117). Age and gender accounted for 52% of interindividual variation in baroreflex sensitivity, which was significantly higher in men than women (15.0 vs 10.2 ms/mmHg; P<0.01).