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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects people all over the world. RA is a chronic systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease. It primarily affects the joints and is frequently accompanied by extra-articular symptoms such as rheumatoid nodules, neuropathy, and normochromic normocytic anaemia. Objectives- The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiac autonomic function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and compare with healthy individuals. An observational, cross-sectional study was done between 50 having RA & 50 normal healthy subjects not on any medication, on both males & females between the age group of 30-60 years. Evaluation of autonomic nervous system was done with the help of non-invasive tests. Parasympathetic system was assessed by heart rate response to standing & heart rate response to lying down position. Sympathetic system was assessed by blood pressure response to standing, BP response to Valsalva Maneuverer & BP response to sustained hand grip. In individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis, the diastolic blood pressure in standing position was significantly lower(p<0.01) than control group. Other parameters showed non- significant changes in RA group compared to control group. Discussion- study confirmed autonomic dysfunction occurs in patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, autonomic function may be the part of routine clinical examination in RA to reduce the cardiovascular autonomic morbidity Cardiovascular autonomic function tests in daily clinical examination helpful in early detection of autonomic dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis.

Smoking affects cardiovascular system by different mechanisms. Smoking related diseases are the biggest killers in the world today. Cardiac output is increased by nicotine which is present in smoke by increasing both heart rate and myocardial contractility. Our aim was to compare and assess resting heart rate in smoker and nonsmoker healthy males. Our objective was to study the effect of smoking on resting heart rate. We included total 60 male subjects in the age group 25 – 65 years comprising of 30 smokers as case group and 30 nonsmoker healthy males as control group for present study and these were relatives of patients, sweepers, peons and paramedical staff of P.D.U. Govt. Medical College. Pulse Oximeter was used to measure resting heart rate immediately after over night sleep. Heart rate was recorded in a condition of physical and mental rest. Data was tabulated and analysed. By using Z test, P value was found which was statistically significant (<0.05). Resting heart rate is important parameter to measure the effect of smoking on cardiovascular system. Smoking related products are dangerous to health and causes many health related diseases. From our study, we conclude that the resting heart rate of apparently healthy smokers is significantly higher than nonsmokers of same group.

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