Association of Autonomic Function and Body Mass Index Through ECG and HRV Analysis in Young Adults

Abstract

This study examined the association between autonomic function and body mass index (BMI) using electrocardiography (ECG) and heart rate variability (HRV) analysis in young adults. A cross-sectional design was used, enrolling medical students aged 18 to 25 years, categorized into overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 25) and normal-weight groups. Anthropometric data and ECG/HRV parameters were recorded and analyzed. Results demonstrated significant increases in very low frequency and low frequency HRV power and the LF/HF ratio, alongside a significant decrease in high-frequency power, indicating sympathetic dominance and reduced parasympathetic activity in the overweight/obese group (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in SDNN. Correlation analyses showed strong relationships between BMI/weight and HRV markers of autonomic imbalance. These findings align with prior research suggesting obesity-related sympathetic overactivity and parasympathetic withdrawal contribute to increased cardiovascular risk. The study highlights ECG and HRV metrics as useful non-invasive tools for early cardiovascular risk assessment in young adults and supports the need for timely interventions targeting weight management and autonomic balance restoration.

Keywords: Body mass index (BMI), heart rate variability (HRV), autonomic function, obesity, electrocardiography (ECG), sympathetic dominance, parasympathetic activity, young adults.