Cardiovascular Sympathetic Function Status by Cold Pressor Test in Lactating Mothers

Background:
Lactation has a significant impact on women cardiac autonomic control
and various cardiometabolic changes which occurs during lactation that
influence women health.
Objective:
The study was aimed to assess the cardiovascular sympathetic functions
status by the cold pressor test in lactating mothers.
Methods:
This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the Department
of Physiology, Rangpur Medical College, Rangpur from July 2022 to
June 2023. After obtaining permission, a total 100 subjects who were
met the inclusion criteria and enrolled in the study after briefing them
objectives of the study. Among them 50 apparently healthy lactating
mothers (Group A) and 50 apparently healthy non-lactating mothers
(Group B) were selected through purposive sampling. The evaluation of
sympathetic functions in selected individuals was done by cold pressor
test. The individuals were selected from Breast Feeding or Lactating
Corner, Out Patient Department of Paediatrics. For statistical analysis,
unpaired ‘t’ test was performed by computer-based software SPSS-25
version for windows.
Results:
Resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure was significantly higher
(P<0.001) in lactating mothers. After cold pressor test the mean change
of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure response by cold pressor
test was significantly higher (p<0.01) in lactating mothers group
compared to control group.
Conclusion:
Increased resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure in lactating
mothers and increased diastolic blood pressure response by cold
pressor test in lactating mothers indicate increased sympathetic
functions.