Abstract

Obesity, a global health concern, exerts significant cardiovascular implications. Autonomic dysfunction is a recognized risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. This study explores the potential of heart rate variability (HRV) during deep breathing as an index for assessing autonomic dysfunction in obese medical students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on medical students with obesity (n=150). Demographic information, anthropometric measurements, and HRV data were collected. Participants also completed questionnaires regarding stress, physical activity, and diet. Correlations between BMI and HRV parameters, as well as the influence of lifestyle factors on HRV, were analyzed. Results: High BMI was associated with reduced HRV, as evidenced by negative correlations between BMI and SDNN (r = -0.31, p < 0.001) and RMSSD (r = -0.18, p = 0.025). HRV parameters also exhibited interdependencies, with strong positive correlations between SDNN and RMSSD (r = 0.64, p < 0.001), and moderate correlations between LF and HF components (r = 0.42, p = 0.003). Lifestyle factors, including stress level, physical activity, and diet quality, influenced HRV. Conclusion: Obesity among medical students is associated with autonomic dysfunction, as evidenced by decreased HRV during deep breathing. This study underscores the critical importance of early intervention and lifestyle modifications in addressing the cardiovascular risks associated with obesity and autonomic dysfunction in this high-stress population.

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