Attenuation of autonomic nervous system functions in hypertensive patients at rest and during orthostatic stimulation

Abstract

The effect of age on autonomic nervous system was assessed at rest and while standing using systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) heart rate, and power spectral analysis of the time duration between 2 consecutive R waves of an electrocardiogram (RR) interval variability, as well as on plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine levels in mild to moderate hypertensive patients (DBP, 90-110 mm Hg). Patients younger than 60 years (n=57) and older than 60 years (n=32), were evaluated after a 3-to 4-week placebo period. Plasma catecholamines were measured in the supine position at rest and after 10 minutes of standing. Power spectral analysis of the RR interval variability was performed in each condition using the high-frequency (HF) band (0.15-0.4 Hz) as an index of parasympathetic activity and the lowfrequency (LF) band (0.05-0.15 Hz) and LF-HF ratio to estimate sympathetic activity. The total power was calculated as the sum of LF and HF power. supine SBP was significantly higher in older patients (P