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01-07-2006 | Original Article

Body fat and blood lipids in postmenopausal women are related to resting autonomic nervous system activity

Authors: Tetsuya Kimura, Tamaki Matsumoto, Mihoko Akiyoshi, Yoko Owa, Naoyuki Miyasaka, Takeshi Aso, Toshio Moritani

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 5/2006

Abstract

The present study investigated the activity of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), a major influence in normal physiological function, and its association with unfavorable postmenopausal states in body composition, lipid and/or glucose metabolism, or cardiovascular profiles. Body composition, blood pressure, and blood profiles of lipid and glucose of 175 postmenopausal women were measured. Resting ANS activity was assessed by heart rate variability (HRV) power spectral analysis. To scrutinize the influence of ANS activity levels on postmenopausal obesity-related factors, we divided the subjects into a low group ( < 220 ms²) and a high group ( > 220 ms²), based on the total power of HRV. Low-frequency (P < 0.01) and high-frequency power (P < 0.01) were both significantly lower in the low group. No significant difference was found in age, age at menopause, or years after menopause between the two groups. In contrast, body mass index (P < 0.05), percentages of body fat (P < 0.01), and systolic (P < 0.01) and diastolic (P < 0.01) blood pressure were significantly greater in the low group. As to blood lipid profiles, triglycerides (P < 0.05), total cholesterol (P < 0.05), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.05) were significantly higher in the low group. Our findings indicate that reduced sympatho-vagal activity is associated with higher postmenopausal body fat content, blood pressure, and blood lipid concentrations. This study further implies that such autonomic depression could be a crucial risk factor in undermining the health and, ultimately, the quality of life, of postmenopausal women.

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Title: Body fat and blood lipids in postmenopausal women are related to resting autonomic nervous system activity
Authors: Tetsuya Kimura
Tamaki Matsumoto
Mihoko Akiyoshi
Yoko Owa
Naoyuki Miyasaka
Takeshi Aso
Toshio Moritani
Publication date: 01-07-2006
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 5/2006
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-006-0207-8

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Body fat and blood lipids in postmenopausal women are related to resting autonomic nervous system activity

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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