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Research Paper | Physiology | India | Volume 12 Issue 10, October 2023

Study of Autonomic Function Changes in Patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder in an Ethnic Community of North East India

Nataraj Singh Loukrakpam | Deisha Rymbuii

Abstract: Anxiety disorders are a very common mental health problem in our community. However, many people are not aware of the fact that if they are not properly treated in time, can result in a wide range of heart diseases that includes Heart attack, Arrythmias and Coronary arterial diseases. Various research studies have associated this disorder with reduced vagal tone of the heart as also sympathetic nervous system inhibition. However, very less studies have been conducted both at the national & international level to address the issue. The objectives of the study are to find out the involvement of autonomic nervous function in patients of Generalized anxiety disorder. Autonomic function was tested in 45 patients with anxiety disorder and 38 age& sex matched normal healthy subjects by using a set of 5 tests, i.e. 1) Heart rate variability (HRV) to deep and slow breathing (E: I). 2) Heart rate response to postural change (30: 15). 3) Heart rate response to valsalva maneuver (VR). 4) Change in systolic blood pressure on sudden standing. 5) Change in diastolic blood pressure on Isometric handgrip test. Results: The E: I value was found to be low in patients compared with normal healthy subjects indicating reduced parasympathetic function. The mean fall in systolic blood pressure on sudden standing was also less in patients which indicates sympathetic function inhibition. Conclusion: Patients with anxiety disorders are found to have sympathetic function inhibition as also a lesser vagal tone of the heart making them vulnerable to a wide range of Heart diseases like arrhythmias, heart attack & even Coronary arterial diseases.

Keywords: Heart rate variability, Generalized anxiety disorder, Autonomic nervous system, Cardiac vagal tone

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 10, October 2023,

Pages: 1464 - 1465