An automated computerized method using Finapres for measuring cardiovascular reflexes

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular physiology
• Autonomic nervous system function
• Medical instrumentation

Background:

• Cardiovascular reflex tests are crucial for diagnosing autonomic failure.
• Conventional methods for these tests are time-consuming due to result calculation.
• A need exists for a faster, automated approach to assess autonomic function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an automated computerized program for cardiovascular reflex testing.
• To measure beat-to-beat heart rate and blood pressure using a finger-based instrument.
• To reduce the overall time required for autonomic function assessment.

Main Methods:

• Development of a computerized program utilizing a FINger Arterial PRESsure (FINAPRES) instrument.
• Measurement of beat-to-beat heart rate and blood pressure.
• Standardized tests included forced breathing, standing, Valsalva maneuver, and handgrip.

Main Results:

• The automated program typically completes testing and calculation within 25 minutes.
• Test reproducibility in normal subjects was comparable to conventional ECG and sphygmomanometer methods.
• Age-dependent normal values for seven test parameters were established in 124 subjects.
• Four or more abnormal results were identified in 10 patients with long-standing diabetes.

Conclusions:

• The developed automated program offers a time-efficient and reproducible method for cardiovascular reflex testing.
• This tool aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of autonomic failure, particularly in conditions like diabetes.
• The program provides valuable age-specific reference data for autonomic function parameters.