Cardiac Autonomic Response to Saturated Fatty Meal in Overweight and Obese Late Adolescent Females

Aim: Little research has been conducted on the effect of fatty meal ingestion on heart rate variability (HRV) parameters. The present study aimed to assess the effect of saturated fatty meal on HRV time and frequency domain parameters in overweight and obese late adolescent females. Also to assess the possible correlation between HRV parameters and obesity indices in that particular age group. Methods: HRV was analyzed by 15-minute period of standardized ECG recording in 42 normotensive euglycemic females aged (18 to 21 years) three hours following saturated fatty meal ingestion. According to body mass index (BMI) they were classified into 3 groups; lean (n=13), overweight (n=13) and obese (n=16). Results: rMSDD and HF waves were significantly decreased in overweight and obese groups. Also there was significant increase in LF waves and LF/HF ratio in overweight group. On the contrary, LF waves were significantly reduced in the obese group, with insignificant change in the LF/HF ratio. No significant correlations were observed between HRV indices and parameters of total or visceral obesity. Conclusion: HRV indices showed sympathetic hyperactivity in overweight late adolescent females in response to saturated fatty meal, highlighting the possible risk of cardiac problems. Interestingly this response was blunted in obese females. Both overweight and obese females showed decreased protective vagal influence on the heart. The present findings add to the literature concerning HRV in late adolescent females.