Effect of Life Style Changes on Cardiovascular Autonomic Function

Autonomic function is influenced by obesity and life style factors. Emotional stress, anxiety, smoking, alcohol tend to increase sympathetic activity and on the other hand meditation, yoga and other relaxation techniques increase vagal tone and reduces blood pressure and heart rate^.[1] The autonomic nervous system, though previously thought as part of the nervous system that cannot be controlled, now a days it is seen that with help of yoga meditation and other relaxation technique it can be controlled.^[2] Because of its participation in the pathologic process like sudden death, ischemic heart disease, coronary artery disease, the importance of studying autonomic function has grown over years

To establish the relation of life style modification on cardiovascular autonomic function.

The study was carried out among 200 staff of Gauhati Medical College in the age group 20 to 58 years.

Life style of all the 200 cases was determined. Life style is defined as the way people live, reflecting whole range of social values, attitudes and activities is composed of cultural and behavioral patterns and life long personal habits that have developed through process of civilization.

Mainly two types of life style were assessed.

ACTIVE LIFESTYLE-Regular exercise program with sufficient period of rest at night and diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, but low in saturated fats and simple carbohydrates.

SEDENTARY LIFE STYLE-Lack of exercise, obesity, smoking alcoholism and diet rich in saturated fat

For parasympathetic function]

1. Deep breath test, 2. Valsalva test

For sympathetic function

1. Hand grip test; 2. Orthostatic hypotension test

In comparison to sedentary life style the parasympathetic activity was significantly increased in active life style valsalva ratio p value<.05.

Though sympathetic functions were raised in sedentary life style it was not found to be statistically significant.

In today's world of anxiety and stress it is seen that meditation and yoga and other stress relaxation techniques help reduces heart rate and blood pressure. Sedentary life style and unhealthy food habits increases sympathetic tone and greatly increase risk of cardiovascular diseases. So modification of life style is essential for prevention of cardiovascular accidents