Heart rate variability due to isometric hand grip on childrens of hypertensive parents

Background- One of the primary pathologies associated with hypertension is a complex autonomic malfunction with evidence of sympathetic hyperactivity and/or vagal withdrawal. Objectives- To assess the possibility for early detection of hypertension in children of hypertensive parents based on analysis of effect of Isometric Hand Grip (IHG) and heart rate variability. Material and Methods: 100 young, normotensive male offspring of normotensive parents (control group) and 100 young, normotensive male offspring of hypertensive parents (test group) of similar body mass index participated in this study. Heart rate variability was recorded at baseline, during Isometric hand grip and after 5 minutes after isometric hand grip. Results: There was no significant difference seen in both groups in baseline parameters of heart rate variability. Low frequency in normalised unit (LFnu), Low frequency/ High Frequency (LF/HF) ratio were significantly increased and High frequency in normalised units (HFnu) was significantly decreased during isometric hand grip in test group. Conclusion: These results indicate the early existence of malfunctions in both branches of autonomic control in individuals at increased risk of hypertension.