Effect of isometric handgrip test on heart rate variability in primary open angle glaucoma

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Original Article

Author Details : Arijita Banerjee, Indu Khurana

Volume : 4, Issue : 1, Year : 2017

Article Page : 4-7

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Abstract

Introduction: Open angle glaucoma is a chronic, slowly progressive optic neuropathy characterised by progressive visual field loss. At systemic level; hypertension, hypotension leading to reduced ocular blood flow (OBF), vasospasm, oxidative stress and cardiovascular disease history are associated with glaucoma. Various studies suggest a relation between Open angle glaucoma (OAG) and autonomic dysfunction, yet the exact mechanism is still unclear. Heart rate variability (HRV) and a provocative cardiac stress test can provide an easy, non-invasive and indirect assessment of the autonomic control of the heart.
Material and Method: The present study consists of 20 patients with Primary Open angle Glaucoma (group ІІ) and 20 age & sex matched healthy controls (group І). Frequency domain analysis of HRV at rest and during Handgrip testing was analysed.
Results: On immediate release of handgrip patients with POAG depicted a significant raised Low frequency variables LF (nu) (73.39± 4.04), (p < 0.000) and LF/HF ratio (2.79±0.17), (p < 0.000). On the other hand there is a step decrease in high frequency variable HF (nu) (32.04±1.83) in group ІІ (p = 0.002).The decrease in HF (nu) (38.40±8.07), (p < 0.000) with high LF/HF (1.55±0.28), (p<0.000) in group ІІ remained significant during recovery period. 
Conclusion: The study thus concluded sympathetic overdrive in response to stress and low parasympathetic activity during recovery period suggestive of impaired autonomic activity in Primary Open angle Glaucoma.

Keywords: Stress Test, Autonomic Dysfunction, Primary Open Angle Glaucoma, Auto Regulation, Heart Rate Variability

How to cite : Banerjee A, Khurana I, Effect of isometric handgrip test on heart rate variability in primary open angle glaucoma. Indian J Clin Anat Physiol 2017;4(1):4-7

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