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Quantitative Autonomic Testing
Published on: July 19, 2011
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Establishment of Normative Data for Autonomic Function Tests in Indian Population
Sheena Singh1, Vineeth Jaison2, Himani Khatter2
1Department of Physiology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.
Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology
|August 8, 2022
Summary
This study establishes the first normative data for autonomic function tests (AFT) in the Indian population. Autonomic function declines with age and differs between genders, providing crucial health insights.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Autonomic Neuroscience
- Clinical Physiology
Background:
- Normative data for autonomic function tests (AFT) is lacking for the Indian population.
- Autonomic dysfunction can significantly impact health and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normative data for AFT in healthy Indian adults.
- To investigate the correlation of AFT with age, gender, and body mass index.
Main Methods:
- 254 healthy Indian subjects (≥18 years) underwent standardized AFTs.
- Cardiovascular autonomic function tests included heart rate response to deep breathing, Valsalva maneuver, and head-up tilt test (HUT).
- Quantitative sudomotor axon reflex testing (QSART) and thermoregulatory sweat test (TST) were also performed.
Main Results:
- Established normative ranges for heart rate (HR) difference, E:I ratio, and Valsalva ratio (VR).
- Significant inverse correlation found between age and HR difference, E:I ratio, and VR.
- Gender-based differences observed in VR and sweat volume (QSART), with males exhibiting higher values.
Conclusions:
- First-time establishment of normative AFT data for the Indian population.
- Autonomic function shows significant decline with increasing age and gender-specific variations.
- Findings provide essential reference values for diagnosing autonomic dysfunction in India.
