Evaluation of cardiovascular autonomic function in diabetics and normal individual by using standard autonomic function tests and heart rate variability

Abstract

In diabetic patients cardiac autonomic neuropathy is a serious and common complication. Unrecognized cardiac autonomic neuropathy can prove fatal in them. Objective: The present study was done for evaluation of standard cardiovascular reflex tests, heart rate variability and QTc interval as a tool in diagnosis of CAN in diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: Randomly newly detected type 2 diabetic hundreds patients attending the Out Patient Department attached to J.J.M. Medical College were selected for the study. The results were compared with 50 controls. Niviqure software was used to analyse HRV in terms of Low Frequency, High Frequency the ratio and QTc interval. Results: Our study has shown that the values of different tests were within normal limits but, the values were slightly altered in diabetic patients with CAN score > 0. (p < 0.01). Out of 100 diabetic patients 41 individuals had borderline CAN and 25 patients had QTc values > 440. There was no significant decrease in LF, HF and LF/HF ratio. Among cardiovascular tests, hand grip test and QTc interval showed significant changes. Conclusion:In this study blood pressure response to hand grip test and QTC interval measurement have shown some promise as useful test for screening diabetics patients for CAN.