Influence of hormonal status, ageing and smoking on autonomic cardiovascular control and endothelial function

Abstract

Ageing, hypertension and smoking are known risk factors for cardiovascular disease. By contrast female sex hormones are known to have cardioprotective qualities ; however, their underlying mechanisms of action have yet to be fully elucidated. The primary objective of this thesis was to investigate the interactive effects of hormonal status, ageing, hypertension and smoking on the autonomic nervous system and erdothelial function, two areas where deficits in normal function can have potentially acverse consequences as regards cardiovascular mortality. The methods employed included the use of three well-known physiological stressors and the assessment of biroreflex sensitivity (BRS). Endothelial health was assessed via blood flow responses to 3 minutes arterial occlusion and standard markers of endothelial function.