European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background:The parasympathetic division is primarily involved in relaxation, preparing the body to rest and recover. The present study assessed correlation between age and the parasympathetic nervous system.
Materials & Methods: 84 individuals of both genders were assessed for heart rate variation during deep breathing (Expiration/Inspiration ratio), heart-rate response to standing (30:15 ratio) and heart-rate response to Valsalva maneuver (VM ratio).
Results: Out of 84 subjects, males were 50 and females were 34. There was highly significant negative correlation between age and E:I ratio (P<0.00). There was highly significant negative correlation between age and 30:15 ratio (P< 0.05). There was nonsignificant negative correlation between age and VM ratio (P< 0.05).
Conclusion: There was decline in parasympathetic functions with increasing age