Abstract :
Introduction: Hypertension is a major health hazard which at a later stage might lead onto various cardiovascular complications. Prehypertension is a precursor of Stage-I hypertension. Thus, the present study was done to assess the sympathetic activity in normotensive, prehypertensive and hypertensive individuals.
Aims and Objectives: To compare the differences in sympathetic activity in normotensive, prehypertensive and hypertensive individuals.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 30 normotensive, 30 prehypertensive and 30 hypertensive subjects. Autonomic function tests were recorded using the instrument Physiopac-PP4, Medicaid system, Chandigarh. The following sympathetic function tests were performed: 1. Blood pressure response to standing, 2. Cold pressor test, 3. Isometric handgrip test.
Results: Our findings on hypertensives showed that there is sympathetic dysfunction and on prehypertensives showed that there is sympathetic overactivity.
Conclusion: Autonomic function tests can be used as a routine screening test to predict the future risk of hypertension at an earlier stage and also for a better prognosis during treatment.
Keyword :
Hypertensive, Prehypertensive, Autonomic function tests, Sympathetic dysfunction, Sympathetic overactivity.