Diabetic cardiac autonomic neuropathy
Philips, J.C.; Marchand, M.; Scheen, A.J.
Revue Medicale de Liege 60(5-6): 498-504
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0370-629X PMID: 16035317 Document Number: 594586
Cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, which is associated with a higher risk of morbidity and mortality. It can be detected by analyzing spontaneous (Holter) or provoked (Ewing's test battery) changes in heart rate and arterial blood pressure. Baroreflex gain is a specific index of great interest. Our laboratory has acquired a large experience in the assessment of CAN in diabetic patients. We use the Finapres, a device that allows continuous noninvasive monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate, and a special and discriminative active orthostatic manoeuvre, the "squatting" test (standing-squatting-standing).