Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Measuring Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Activity in Children
Published on: April 29, 2013
Reduced sinus arrhythmia in diabetic autonomic neuropathy: diagnostic value of an age-related normal range
Abstract:
A study was carried out to establish a normal range for use in a deep breathing test of cardiac vagal integrity in diabetes mellitus. The change in heart rate resulting from taking a deep breath was recorded in 174 healthy subjects aged 16-89 years. Results were expressed as the ratio of the longest R-R interval during expiration to the shortest R-R interval during inspiration. This ratio declined appreciably with age (p less than 0.001) but was not significantly related to resting heart rate. An age-related normal range was constructed and its diagnostic value investigated in 134 diabetics (aged 15-70 years) with various degrees of neuropathy. The sensitivity for indicating autonomic dysfunction was high: six false-negative and one false-positive result were obtained. Measurement of this age-dependent ratio, which may be made with any electrocardiographic apparatus, provides a simple, accurate diagnostic screen for autonomic neuropathy in the clinic.
Related Concept Videos
Decreased pulse rate
There are specific risk factors that can elevate the likelihood of developing bradycardia. Advanced age is a significant factor, with bradycardia...
Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias
Types of Arrhythmias
Sinus Node Arrhythmias
Sinus Bradycardia: Originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node, sinus bradycardia involves slower impulses, resulting in a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute (bpm). Causes include sleep, vagal stimulation, beta-blockers, hypothyroidism, and...
Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias
Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias
Dysrhythmias VII: Nursing Management of Dysrhythmias

