Autonomic Testing

What is the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)?

The autonomic nervous system regulates certain body processes, such as blood pressure, digestion, sexual function, liver, kidney, blood vessels, pupils, sweat, salivary, bladder, lungs, heart and the rate of breathing.  This system works automatically (autonomously), without a person’s conscious effort.

Disorders of the autonomic nervous system can affect any body part or process.  Autonomic disorders may be reversible or progressive.

ANS tests assess potential damage to the nerves that control the heart, neuropathy (nerve damage) in the feet, stiffening of the arteries, insulin resistance, peripheral artery disease risk and sedentary lifestyle risk.

CMAT Advantage

The CMAT Advantage system (ANS Testing Device) is indicated for use on adult subjects at risk of having or developing peripheral arterial disease(PAD).

CMAT Advantage system is intended for the rapid measurement of ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI), or ankle-brachial index(ABI), and pulse volume recording (PVR)/ volume plethysmography in adults.

It is suitable for use in wound care assessment, for assessing symptomatic PAD, and as a screening device for PAD. It may also be used on patients with venous or arterial ulcers prior to the application of compression therapy.

The CMAT Advantage is based on volume plethysmography at brachial and ankles.

The blood pressure on the upper and lower extremities is measured simultaneously, resulting in the calculation of the ankle-brachial index (ABI). 

A toe sensor assess the dorsalis pedis arteries and calculate the Toe Brachial Index (TBI).

The volume plethysmography analysis at the arm provides the peripheral Augmentation Index (pAIx) Which is a marker of aortic stiffness and allows us to calculate Central Aortic Systolic Pressure (CASP).

The volume of plethysmography analysis at the arm and ankles provides the brachial ankle Pulse Wave Velocity (baPWV) which is a marker of lower extremity artery stiffness.

Important Facts

  • ANS testing allows for early detection of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and circulatory problems including arterial stiffness and peripheral artery disease (PAD)
  • ANS testing allows your doctor to objectively assess your current condition and efficacy of current treatment protocol
  • American Diabetes Association recommends routine screening for Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy (CAN) for patients with diabetes
  • Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy increases the likelihood of a fatal heart attack or stroke by five times and is asymptomatic
  • Chronic conditions(diseases) can damage the autonomic nervous system over time

What to Expect on Testing Day

The CMAT test lasts approximately 10 minutes and is non-invasive.  The patient lays flat on an exam table for most of the test. Blood pressure cuffs are placed on both ankles and both arms. A pulse oximeter is placed on a finger and sensors are placed on the feet. During the test, the patient will lay still, perform some breathing exercises and then stand for about one minute.

MAIN SYMPTOMS OF AUTONOMIC NEUROPATHY AND VASCULAR DYSFUNCTION

  • FATIGUE
  • HEADACHE
  • DIZZINESS
  • EXERCISE INTOLERANCE
  • PAINFUL MUSCLE CRAMPING
  • FAINTING
  • TINGLING IN THE TOES OR FINGERS
  • CLAUDICATION
  • PAIN IN THIGHS OR CALVES WHEN WALKING
  • DIFFICULTY CLIMBING STAIRS OR EXERCISING