Maladaptive disturbances of vegetative (autonomic) regulation of cardiovascular system in indigenous peoples of the North (Finno-Ugric group) under urbanization

The aim of the work is to determine the state of vegetative regulation of heart rate variability (HRV) in representatives of the Finno-Ugric group of indigenous small-numbered peoples of the North (Eastern Khanty). Some of them live in urbanized conditions in the large industrial city of Surgut and the others prefer the traditional environment (tribal lands). However, only individuals living in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Ugra were examined during the trial. Materials and Methods. A total of 73 representatives of the Finno-Ugric indigenous people living in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug were examined. All of the representatives were from the so called Eastern subpopulation of the Khanty. Among them 20 people lived in the industrial city of Surgut for more than 10 years (average age - 43.0±9.7). Other 53 individuals were Khanty from the tribal lands of Surgut region (average age - 41.3±15.2). The monitoring of cardiorhythmography of indigenous small-numbered peoples of the North was conducted on the bases of medical and preventive treatment facilities in Surgut and Surgut region of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug-Ugra. Results. According to the assessment of heart rate variability in representatives of Eastern Khanty living in an industrial city there was a decrease in the activity of general, humoral and metabolic mechanisms. There was also a significant increase in the proportion of people with moderate values of the overall activity of regulatory mechanisms in comparison with the Khanty who led a traditional way of life. Conclusion. If the representatives of the indigenous peoples of the Finno-Ugric group change their traditional conditions of the habitat (tribal lands) and move to the urbanized areas, then these changes are accompanied by a decrease in the activity of general, humoral and metabolic mechanisms of the regulation of the cardiovascular system. A significant increase in the proportion of persons with moderate values of the overall activity of regulatory mechanisms is also observed. The authors also indicate the predominance of vagotonia in Khanty living in urbanized conditions, in comparison with those who prefer traditional living conditions, and, thus, have a mixed type of autonomic innervation.