PATTERNS OF CARDIAC AUTONOMIC MODULATIONS IN ASTHMATIC PATIENTS

Dr Rizwana M. Pradhan; Dr Abhay D. Hatekar; Dr Sachin H. Mulkutkar

Volume : IX, Issue : VIII, August - 2019

PATTERNS OF CARDIAC AUTONOMIC MODULATIONS IN ASTHMATIC PATIENTS

Dr Rizwana M. Pradhan, Dr Abhay D. Hatekar, Dr Sachin H. Mulkutkar

Abstract :

The present study was aimed to explore and validate the status of sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of autonomic nervous system in asthmatic patients by using battery of simple and non–invasive tests. 80 asthmatic patients and 80 age matched healthy controls were subjected to 6 standardized tests to evaluate their autonomic status. Due care was taken to remove factors which could interfere with results. Tests requiring stimulation of parasympathetic system i.e. deep eathing test, immediate heart rate response to standing, and heart rate response to Valsalva maneuver were significantly lower in asthmatics as compared to controls (p value<0.001). Tests assessing the sympathetic division i.e. postural fall of blood pressure, sustained hand grip test and cold pressor test showed significant difference between asthmatics and controls (p value<0.001). The rise in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at 2 mins after SHG test and at 1 min after CPT in asthmatics was significantly lower as compared to rise in DBP in controls, whereas, fall in systolic blood pressure (SBP) on standing from supine position (after 1 min) was significantly higher in asthmatics as compared to controls. These results suggest that there is a good evidence of autonomic dysfunction in asthmatics with affection of both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system and that the hyperresponsiveness of the parasympathetic system is an important factor in producing onchial spasm in asthmatic patients.