The Critical Role of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) in the Development and Progression of Cardiovascular Diseases

The ANS (Autonomic Nervous System) has a profound influence on the development and progression of the major cardiovascular diseases hypertension, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension (NOH), and is a major factor in Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) of Type 2 Diabetics (DM II). New technology, the 3.0 ANX AUTONOMIC MONITOR (Physio PT, Atlanta, GA USA), has, for the first time, provided accurate measurement of Parasympathetic (P) and Sympathetic (S) activity, whose sum equals Heart Rate Variability(HRV), that is easily, quickly acquired in either an office or hospital setting. This article reviews our studies that suggest pharmacologic therapies of P and S abnormalities which reduce mortality and morbidity of these illnesses. How this new technology differs from all previous methods of HRV measurement and can be used in the daily practice of cardiology is also explained.

Author(s): Gary L. Murray

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