Adrenergic and Vagal Baroreflex Sensitivity in Autonomic Failure

Practice Parameter: Evaluation of distal symmetric polyneuropathy: Role of autonomic testing, nerve biopsy, and skin biopsy (an evidence-based review) [RETIRED]

“…11 The sensitivity and specificity of invasive and noninvasive tests of baroreflex function are high, but these tests are not generally used in the study of neuropathy since their value is considered only additive to current tests of cardiovagal function (Class II). 4,9,12,13 Thermoregulatory sweat testing (TST) is a sensitive test of sudomotor function that utilizes an indicator substance whose color changes upon exposure to sweat.…”

Squatting test: a dynamic postural manoeuvre to study baroreflex sensitivity

“…Cardiovagal barosensitivity can also be studied during early phase II of the Valsalva manoeuvre, which is characterized by a progressive fall in systolic BP associated with reflex tachycardia [36]. Of note, the Valsalva manoeuvre involves an increase in the CO 2 , and CO 2 is known to affect the baroreceptor sensitivity.…”

The utility of Valsalva maneuver in the diagnoses of orthostatic disorders

“…Visual analysis is valuable as it allows instant screening of potential sympathetic or parasympathetic failure in autonomic dysfunction. Quantitative evaluation indirectly measures both vagal and adrenergic components of an important cardiovascular marker, arterial baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) (10,16,19,20,22,26,30). Estimated in VM, BRS is a validated marker, although vagal BRS (BRSv) appears to be a more reliable than adrenergic BRS (BRSa) (17,18,25).…”