Autonomic dysfunction assessed by EZSCAN and subclinical atherosclerosis

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Autonomic Nervous System Function
• Atherosclerosis Research

Background:

• Autonomic dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a contributor to cardiovascular disease.
• Understanding the link between autonomic function and atherosclerosis is crucial for risk stratification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between autonomic dysfunction and atherosclerosis markers in a Chinese population.
• To evaluate the relationship between EZSCAN test results and measures of atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

• A population-based cross-sectional study in Shanghai included 5076 participants.
• Autonomic function was assessed using the EZSCAN test (sudomotor function).
• Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV) were measured.

Main Results:

• Prevalence of elevated CIMT and ba-PWV increased with higher EZSCAN values (Ptrend < 0.0001).
• High autonomic dysfunction risk (EZSCAN ≥50) was associated with significantly higher risk of elevated ba-PWV (OR = 2.16) and non-significantly higher risk of elevated CIMT (OR = 1.43).
• Associations remained after controlling for traditional risk factors.

Conclusions:

• Higher autonomic dysfunction risk is associated with increased atherosclerosis markers (elevated ba-PWV and CIMT).
• Traditional atherosclerotic risk factors partially explain these associations.
• The EZSCAN test may aid in identifying individuals at higher cardiovascular risk.