[Autonomic nervous system tests in the classification of patients at risk for sudden cardiac death]

The authors present an insight into the role of the nervous system in relation to the risk of sudden cardiac death. They present the basic diagnostic possibilities provided by examination of the autonomous nervous system, namely heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity. Reduced heart rate variability and the depression of baroreflex sensitivity represent independent risk markers of sudden heart death. Their role in complex risk stratification of patients endangered by sudden cardiac death especially after myocardial infarction and with congestive heart failure. (Fig. 5, Tab. 2, Ref. 24.)