Testing of autonomic cardiovascular regulation--methodological considerations

The different analyses of the results on autonomic nervous function tests were evaluated in 43 male and 32 female diabetic patients and in 24 male and 24 female control subjects, aged 47-67 years, all without any known heart disease. The Valsalva ratio of the first effort did not differ from the mean Valsalva ratio of three efforts. During deep breathing, heart rate variation and max/min R-R interval ratio determined from the first three breathing cycles did not differ from the respective variables calculated from six consecutive breathing cycles. Diastolic blood pressure response to isometric handgrip was greater during the third minute than during the first and the first two minutes. In conclusion, the tests for the evaluation of autonomic nervous function can be simplified without losing their diagnostic value.