Association of Heart Rate Variability and Baroreceptor Sensitivity with Biochemical Markers in Breast Cancer Patients

  • Devi R. Nithiya Department of Physiology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, SBV, Puducherry, India
  • Pravati Pal Department of Physiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
  • K. Gunaseelan Department of Radiotherapy, Regional Cancer Center, Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
  • Gopal Krushna Pal Department of Physiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
Keywords: Baroreceptor sensitivity, Breast cancer, Heart rate variability, Inflammatory markers, Oxidative stress

Abstract

Background and Aim: The global burden of breast cancer is on the rise, not sparing countries undergoing rapid urbanization. India is one among the top emerging countries to be affected by this disease. Breast cancer survivors are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular complications due to autonomic dysfunction and oxidative stress. Changes in autonomic balance can be assessed by measuring resting heart rate variability (HRV) and baroreceptor sensitivity (BRS). Serum levels of malondialdehyde and inflammatory markers give an estimate of ongoing oxidative stress. Methods: A study was conducted in two groups: (i) study group consisted of women with breast cancer who have undergone modified radical mastectomy and awaiting radiotherapy and (ii) control group consisted of normal healthy age‑matched volunteers. Resting HRV and BRS were measured for participants of both the groups. Estimation of serum oxidative stress markers and inflammatory markers was also done. Results: Decrease in HRV and BRS accompanied by increase in oxidative stress markers and inflammatory markers in circulation was observed in cancer patients when compared to control group. Conclusion: Autonomic dysfunction, high oxidative stress, and decreased BRS were prominent in breast cancer patients, which could expose them to future cardiovascular events.

Published
2018-03-31
How to Cite
Nithiya, D. R., Pal, P., Gunaseelan, K., & Pal, G. K. (2018). Association of Heart Rate Variability and Baroreceptor Sensitivity with Biochemical Markers in Breast Cancer Patients. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Physiology, 5(1), 30-34. Retrieved from https://ijcep.org/index.php/ijcep/article/view/9