INTRODUCTION: Subclinical changes that occur in the heart at an early age may provide valuable information to outline prevention strategies for cardiovascular diseases. Heart rate variability (HRV) reflects regulation of autonomic balance, heart, and vascular tone, which are the determinants of blood pressure. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the difference in heart rate variability (HRV) of Malay male young adult with their BMI and adiposity level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 201 Malay male young adult aged between 19 to 24 years old were screened and their BMI and adiposity level were measured. Three non -invasive tests; Valsalva Manoeuvre, orthostatic response and 30/15 ratio of heart rate were performed. Short term HRV time and frequency domains were recorded. RESULTS: Despite few significant differences in HRV parameters of overweight/obese subjects, the result is inconclusive to conclude any reduced variability. However, those with high adiposity regardless of their BMI reported significantly lower mean of R -R SD in time domain and lower mean of LF/HF ratio in frequency domain. The orthostatic reflex results revealed that high adiposity subjects had significantly lower mean of LF and HF. A decrement of -0.28 ms(2) HF/LF during Valsalva manoeuvre, -0.35 LF ms(2) in orthostatic reflex and 0.33 ms(2) in orthostatic reflex per 1% of body fat percentage were observed. CONCLUSION: HRV parameters were inversely proportional to the adiposity level which was suggestive of modulation of sympathetic function can occur at an early age.

This study focuses on identifying the best site for placement of pulse oximeter probe for accurate measuring of oxygen saturation. Twenty-three healthy male volunteers aged 20 to 40 years old were recruited in this study. Cold pressor test was done to stimulate vasoactivity and 460 measurements of SpO(2) level were obtained throughout the study. The results were analyzed using ANOVA with p < 0.05 was considered to be significant. Bias between sites are determined using Bland-Altman plot whilst the internal consistency of each measurement sites are identified via Cronbach-Alpha (alpha). Results showed that the best site for cutaneous oxygen saturation measurement is at the earlobe using the ear sensor. Portable finger pulse oximeter oxygen saturation estimation is accurate and reliable at specific fingers (thumb, right middle and right ring fingers) regardless of stimulation on peripheral vasoactivity.