A study of cardiovascular autonomic functions and serum leptin levels in young obese individuals.

Over 312 million people are obese worldwide. Obesity has become a major nutritional health problem in India. It is associated with adverse cardiac events. Obesity is considered as a leading preventable cause of death. Autonomic function tests are early non invasive tool to assess the cardiac distress. Adipose tissue acts as highly active metabolic and secretary endocrine organ. Leptin is one of the main adipocytokines secreted by the adipocytes Autonomic Function tests in young obese individuals indicate that there is a definite sympathovagal imbalance in the form of sympathetic over activity and parasympathetic withdrawal. Elevated serum leptin levels play a direct vital role in stimulating the sympathetic nervous system. Chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system makes them more prone for adverse cardiovascular events. The battery of autonomic function tests is an effective tool in identifying the autonomic dysfunction at an earlier stage. Understanding the role of the sympathetic nervous system and the serum leptin levels in obesity might help in the treatment of obesity and prevent further complications in this disease. Early diagnosis, behavioral and life style modification, health education and medication, may alleviate such problems