Autonomic Neuropathy in Healthy Elderly Person.
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Date
2013-12
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Abstract
Background: Cardiac autonomic nerve function can be affected in older age. Objective: To find out
the degree of autonomic neuropathy by autonomic nerve function scoring system in apparently
healthy elderly subjects. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of
Physiology, BSMMU, Dhaka between July 2005 and June 2006.For study group, 30 elderly subjects
age ranged from 51-60 years were enrolled in one group whereas another 30 elderly subjects age
between 61-70 years were enrolled in another group. For comparison sex and BMI matched thirty
apparently healthy adults with age from 21-30 years were studied as control. Autonomic nerve function
status of all the subjects were examined by five simple non-invasive cardiovascular reflex tests Valsalva
maneuver deep breathing test, orthostatic test handgrip test, and sudden standing. Autonomic nerve
function (ANF) scoring was done to find out the degree of autonomic neuropathy. Results: 23.34%
of subjects of 61-70 years group showed autonomic nerve dysfunctions and 20% had early involvement
and 3.34% of them had definite involvement of Autonomic neuropathy. But this percentage was
relatively less (10%) in 51-60 years who had early involvement and none had found definite involvement
whereas autonomic nerve function was normal in 21-30 years age group.. Conclusion: From this
study, it can be concluded that aging process substantially impaired cardiovascular autonomic nerve
function.
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Keywords
Autonomic neuropathy, cardiovascular reflex tests, autonomic scoring, aging
Citation
Islam Taslima, Begum Noorzahan, Ferdousi Sultana. Autonomic Neuropathy in Healthy Elderly Person. Journal of Bangladesh Society of Physiologists. 2013 Dec; 8(2): 77-83.