Effect of Smoking on Sustained Handgrip Test of Young Healthy Male Tobacco Smokers

Introduction: The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced. Cigarette smoking is major risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. Cessation of smoking is associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Cigarette smoking alters baseline sympathetic and vagal modulation. The degree of risk of developing coronary heart disease is directly related to the number of cigarettes smoked per day.

Objectives: To assess the effects of smoking on sustained handgrip test.

Methods: This cross sectional analytical study were conducted in Department of Physiology, Rangpur Medical College, Rangpur. After obtaining permission a total 100 subjects who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in the study after briefing them objectives of the study. A total number of 100 subjects were selected, among them 50 were apparently healthy non-smoker subjects (group A) – control, 50 were apparently healthy tobacco smoker (group B) – experimental. For statistical analysis one way ANOVA (post-hoc) test were performed by computer based software SPSS- 23.0 version for windows. Significance for the statistical test would be predetermined at a probability value of less than 0.05 (p<0.05). Ethical consideration was achieving an informed consent after briefing objectives. Quality was assured through avoidance of missed data, filling of code, regular entry of data and careful data analysis.

Result: In this study smokers revealed significant rise in blood pressure as compared to nonsmokers during hand grip test.

Conclusion: Cigarette smoking affects cardiovascular functions as indicated by rise in blood pressure in smokers than nonsmokers reflect the sensitivity of sympathetic activity to nicotine due to smoking.