Autonomic Functions in Offspring's of Hypertensives

Essential hypertension is a major health hazard, if left undetected and untreated can lead to cardiovascular abnormalities with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Hence it becomes necessary to identify the possible risk factors, detect at an early age and take suitable measures to reduce the cardiovascular complications. The study was done to evaluate the autonomic functions in normotensive children of hypertensive parents. Normotensive children of hypertensive and normotensive parents in the age group of 15 to 25 years were included in the study. Autonomic functions were evaluated by standardized methods. The results were analyzed using suitable statistical method. There was a demonstrable alteration in the autonomic function with reduced parasympathetic response coupled with enhanced sympathetic response in children of hypertensive parents. It was also evident that alteration in autonomic functions sets in during early adulthood in asymptomatic children of hypertensive parents. The autonomic function test can be used as a screening tool in later part of childhood and also during adulthood to detect the possibility of developing essential hypertension.