IMPACT OF SERUM CHOLESTEROL ON AUTONOMIC FUNCTIONS OF HEART IN GERIATRIC POPULATION.

Abstract

There is very well established association between heart rate variability and heart diseases related mortality and morbidity. Sympathetic activity increases and parasympathetic activity decreases whenever there is decrease in autonomic modulation of heart. These changes are seen in population with increased cholesterol and in other diseases. The aim of the present study is to probe the relation between HRV and cholesterol in geriatric population and effect of sympathetic and parasympathetic stimulation on ANS in them. Material and methods: Serum cholesterol of 27 subjects was less than 200 are grouped as group1 and remaining 18 whose cholesterol was above 200 are grouped as group2, when HRV of these two groups analyzed. Discussion: In geriatric population HRV of subjects with high cholesterol was higher than those with less cholesterol during normal 5 minutes recording of HRV in our study. This finding is not significant in our study. During deep breathing and cold pressor test, subjects with lower cholesterol had higher HRV compared to those with higher cholesterol levels. Conclusion: In geriatric population, cardiac health is better in population with lower cholesterol levels and they have a better autonomic response to both sympathetic and parasympathetic stimulation. Treating geriatric population with lipid lowering drugs may help them to improve their cardiac health.