Background: Parental history of hypertension increases the risk of developing future hypertension. Altered sympathovagal nervous system is reported in children of hypertensive parents.

Aims and Objective: To evaluate and compare cardiovascular autonomic functions in offspring of hypertensive and normotensive parents

Methods: 150 healthy young students of MMU aged 18–25 years, divided into Group A (FH+)(having family history of hypertension) Group B (offspring of normotensive parents). Various autonomic function tests done were Lying to Standing test, Valsalva manoeuvre, Hand grip test (HGT) and Cold pressor test (CPT).

Results: The mean basal heart rate of Group A was found significantly higher when compared with Group B. No parasympathetic alteration between two groups was seen. Values of HGT and CPT were significantly raised for Group A than for Group B, indicating higher sympathetic activity in offspring of hypertensive parents.

Conclusion: Offspring’s of hypertensive parents have increased sympathetic reactivity, with no parasympathetic modulation in early life as compared to offspring of normotensive parents. The participants at high risk in our study are young offspring of hypertensive parents although being normotensive but have higher susceptibility for development of future hypertension. So weight reduction and moderate intensity aerobic exercise programmes should be incorporated in daily living, which may delay or prevent the onset of hypertension.