I Have Cardiac Concerns: Is an Autonomic Nervous System Test Right for Me?

Have you experienced unexplained symptoms such as feeling dizzy, even to the point of feeling faint when you stand up after sitting for a while? Perhaps your doctor notes that your heartbeat is too fast or too slow. You may be referred for an autonomic nervous system test. 

Your autonomic nervous system controls your body’s automatic functions, like your heart rate and blood pressure, among others. Our board-certified radiologists with REDI Diagnostics Corp in Elmwood Park, New Jersey, administer autonomic nervous system tests and provide the results to your health care provider. 

The test isn’t painful and is non-invasive. The results should aid your doctor in determining the root cause of your symptoms. 

If your test results show abnormalities in your autonomic nervous system, you may have cardiovascular issues that need treatment. Some of the abnormalities an autonomic nervous system test may show related to cardiac concerns include: 

• Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure drops abnormally when you stand)
• Vasovagal syncope (sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure) 
• Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (a large increase in heart rate when you stand)
• Conditions leading to heart failure

Early treatment is always optimal so intervention can take place before you suffer serious cardiovascular damage. 

Why an autonomic nervous system test is important for cardiovascular issues

Advanced autonomic nervous system dysregulation, called autonomic neuropathy, can lead to serious health consequences such as: 

• Heart failure
• Sudden cardiac death
• Arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat

It’s important to have an autonomic nervous system test before your system irregularity gets to that point. 

What happens at an autonomic nervous system test

When having an autonomic nervous system test, you sit in a chair connected to a blood pressure cuff and pulse oximeter so your heart rate and blood pressure can be monitored throughout the test. 

During the test, we take certain measurements, including the amount of time between your heartbeats and your heart rate and blood pressure variations when your position changes from sitting to standing. 

We also measure your heart’s response to forced exhalation, or blowing into a closed tube, and how well your sweat glands function. The entire test may take 1-2 hours. The different parts of the test last around 10-30 minutes each. 

If you have cardiac concerns, don’t wait. Call REDI Diagnostics Corp or book an appointment online today for an autonomic nervous system test.