International Journal of Physiology
  • Year: 2015
  • Volume: 3
  • Issue: 2

Hand Grip Strength, Endurance Time, Heart Rate and Blood Pressure Changes in Smokers

  • Author:
  • Dhanalakshmi Yerrabelli1,, Nitin Ashok John2, Kavita Vasudevan3, K Uma Maheswari4, D Niraimathi5, S V Uma Devi5, S Velkumary6, S Karthik7
  • Total Page Count: 6
  • Page Number: 72 to 77

1Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, JIPMER, Puducherry

2Professor and Head, Department of Physiology, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry

3Professor and Head, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry

4Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, ESI Medical College, Chennai

5Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Indira Gandhi Medical College, and Research Institute, Puducherry

6Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, JIPMER, Puducherry

7Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, JIPMER, Puducherry

*Author for Correspondence: Y Dhanalakshmi, D. no 3, Plot.no:3, 7th cross, Ambal Nagar, Kaundanpalayam, Puducherry- 605009, India. Cell No: 9444781210, E-Mail: saidhanalakshmi04@yahoo.com

Online published on 19 June, 2015.

Abstract

Smoking is a well-known risk factor for atherosclerosis. Loss of distensibility and compliance of large arteries may play a role in the onset of atherosclerosis. Smoking is reported to increase arterial stiffness. Light smoking increases arterial wall stiffness that might be harmful to the artery and increase the risk for plaque rupture. A study by Lucini et al group showed an increase in heart rate in smokers than the non-smokers. These facts gave us an impetus to verify the effects of smoking on autonomic functions in light and heavy smokers.

We measured the BMI, hand grip strength, endurance time and blood pressure and assessed their relationship to smoking in light and heavy smokers and compared them with nonsmokers. Statistical analysis of our findings using students T- test and ANOVA were done.

In light smokers endurance time increased significantly. BMI was significant amongst the groups. The systolic blood pressure change, handgrip strength and endurance time between smokers and non-smokers, on comparison were found to be significant.

Smoking leads to altered sympathetic activity leading to increased heart rate and Blood pressure at rest, during exercise and after exercise. The effects on health will help recommend cessation of smoking.

Keywords

Smoking, nicotine, autonomic function, blood pressure, ageing