Methods of investigation for cardiac autonomic dysfunction in human research studies

• DOI: 10.1002/dmrr.1224
• Publication Date: 2011-06-21T12:31:31Z
• Authors: Luciano Bernardi; Vincenza Spallone; Martin Stevens; Jannik Hilsted; Simona Frontoni; Rodica Pop‐Busui; Dan Ziegler; Peter Kempler; Roy Freeman; Phillip Low; Solomon Tesfaye; Paul Valensi
• Keywords: Autonomic function; Autonomic neuropathy

This consensus document provides evidence-based guidelines regarding the evaluation of diabetic cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) for human research studies; are result work CAN Subcommittee Toronto Diabetic Neuropathy Expert Group. The subcommittee critically reviewed limitations and strengths available diagnostic approaches need developing new tests function. It was concluded that most sensitive specific currently to evaluate in clinical are: (1) heart rate variability, (2) baroreflex sensitivity, (3) muscle sympathetic nerve activity, (4) plasma catecholamines, (5) imaging. also recommended efforts should be undertaken develop non-invasive safe used research, with higher sensitivity specificity, studying pathophysiology evaluating therapeutic approaches.