THE INFLUENCE OF BODY COMPOSITION ON THE STATE OF THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM IN WOMEN

Abstract

Sedentary lifestyle leads to deteriorating health. This problem is especially on the rise in the era of computer technology development and increasing workplaces with inactive physical activities. Women in general are less physically active than men and more often suffer from obesity. Our goal was to study the correlation between body composition and indicators of the state of the cardiovascular system (CVS). Women (42.5±5.4 years of age) of different body compositions were randomly selected. Body composition parameters were examined using Tanita BC-601 analyzer scales. CVS status was examined through endothelial function (EF) with the help of rheograph “ReoCom” (KHAI-Medica) and heart rate variability (HRV) using the electrocardiograph “CardioLab” (KHAI-Medica). The indicator of visceral fat (VF) was positively correlated with the degree of tension of regulatory systems (RS) and negatively with the indicator of endothelial function. The fat content in the extremities and torso was positively correlated with HRV, and the muscle content was negatively correlated with EF. The EF index did not statistically significantly differ in the groups of different RS tension. The highest content of visceral fat was in the group with endothelial dysfunction and moderate tension of regulatory systems. The content of visceral fat can lead to both deterioration of endothelial function and the intensity of RS tension. However, there is no statistically significant difference between the EF parameters in different groups of RS tension. In addition, despite the higher mean value of VF content in the group with endothelial dysfunction, compared with the group with normal endothelial function, endothelial dysfunction was absent in the group with failure of adaptation. Therefore, we can assume that HRV is a rather dependent and variable parameter that has no effect on EF. However, for clinical practice, it is possible to use the measurement and correction of visceral fat content for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) both in terms of improving EF and normalization of HRV parameters in women.