Link of sympathetic activity with cardiovascular risk in patients of cervical spondylosis

Mohita Singh; Indu Khurana; Zile Singh Kundu; Anup Aggarwal

Mohita Singh Department of Physiology, Pt. B.D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India
Indu Khurana Department of Physiology, Pt. B.D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India
Zile Singh Kundu Department of Orthopaedics, Pt. B.D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India
Anup Aggarwal Department of Physiology, Pt. B.D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India

Keywords: Autonomic response, Blood pressure, Pressure, cervical spondylosis, Rate pressure product, Sympathetic activity

Abstract

Background and Aim: Spinal cord compression as observed in cervical spondylosis patients may result in focal autonomic deficit affecting various organ systems. Hence, in the present study we aim to assess the level of sympathetic activity in patients with cervical spondylosis using cold pressor test. Methods: Cold pressor test was recorded in two groups comprising of thirty patients with cervical spondylosis and thirty healthy age and sex matched controls. Basal blood pressure (BP) was recorded in all the subjects. The BP values immediately after removal of hand from cold water and then after 5 minutes were also observed. Rate pressure product (RPP), a marker cardiovascular risk was calculated. Results: The patients with cervical spondylosis during the recovery period showed a sustained rise in BP and RPP. A rise of more than 20/10 mm of Hg, or a failure of BP to return to basal levels after 5 minutes has a positive predictive value. Conclusion: The patients with cervical spondylosis have higher sympathetic tone due to cervical compression.