Abstract

Orthostatic stress is commonly utilized to evaluate the cardiovascular autonomic function. This is done mainly by Head Up Tilt (HUT) testing. The parameters which represent the cardiovascular autonomic function involved the Heart Rate (HR), Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) and Pulse Pressure (PP). Method: Hundred apparently healthy females in the age group of 18-45 years were selected to evaluate the effect of HUT on cardiovascular autonomic responses. Parameters like HR and BP were recorded at supine, 300, 600 and 800HUT.In each position the HR was determined by recording the ECG for 5 min in lead II.Niviquire software was used.BP was measured within 20 seconds of the change in tilt position. Results: HR, DBP, MAP increased on HUT in females. SBP and PP decreased on HUT. Interpretation and conclusion: During HUT there is increase in sympathetic activity (increase in HR, DBP) Postural stress test is useful for medical students, physiologists and clinicians to understand cardiovascular reflex response in healthy or diseased individuals.

Authors and Affiliations