Evaluating the Nerves That Control Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, and Circulation

Autonomic Nervous System Test

At Caceres Medical Group, we provide Autonomic Nervous System testing, also called ANS testing, to help evaluate how well the body’s automatic nerve system is functioning.

The autonomic nervous system controls important body functions that happen without conscious effort, including heart rate, blood pressure, sweating, digestion, circulation, and the body’s response to standing, breathing, and stress.

ANS testing can provide useful information for patients with dizziness, fainting, diabetes, neuropathy, abnormal heart rate response, blood pressure changes, or symptoms suggesting autonomic dysfunction.

What Is an Autonomic Nervous System Test?

An Autonomic Nervous System test is a non-invasive evaluation that measures how the nerves controlling automatic body functions respond to different maneuvers.The test may evaluate:

Heart rate variability
Blood pressure response
Circulation response
Autonomic balance
Nerve function related to diabetes or neuropathy
Body response to deep breathing, posture change, or other controlled maneuvers

This test helps the physician understand whether the autonomic nervous system is functioning normally or whether there may be evidence of autonomic dysfunction.

How Is the Test Done?

ANS testing is performed in our office and is generally painless.

During the test:

You will sit or lie comfortably.
Sensors may be placed to monitor heart rate, blood pressure, and other body responses.
You may be asked to breathe deeply or follow specific breathing instructions.
You may be asked to change position, such as moving from lying to sitting or standing, depending on the protocol.
The equipment records how your body responds during the test.
The physician reviews the results as part of your medical evaluation.

The test is non-invasive and does not require needles or radiation.

Common Indications for ANS Testing

ANS testing may be medically appropriate for patients with:

Diabetes mellitus
Suspected diabetic autonomic neuropathy
Dizziness upon standing
Syncope or near-syncope
Orthostatic hypotension
Unexplained palpitations
Abnormal heart rate variability
Peripheral neuropathy symptoms
Numbness, tingling, or burning of the feet
Unexplained weakness or fatigue
History of falls possibly related to dizziness
Blood pressure instability
Certain neurological conditions
Monitoring of autonomic function in selected patients

Benefits of In-Office ANS Testing

Having ANS testing available in our office allows for:

Convenient evaluation of autonomic symptoms
Objective information about heart rate and blood pressure response
Assessment of possible diabetic autonomic neuropathy
Better understanding of dizziness or fainting symptoms
Improved evaluation of patients with diabetes and neuropathy
Coordination with cardiovascular and internal medicine care
Guidance for further testing, treatment, or referral when needed

If additional evaluation is needed, your physician may recommend EKG, cardiac monitoring, echocardiography, laboratory testing, neurological evaluation, vascular testing, or referral to a specialist.

Trusted Adult and Senior Medical Care Since 1993

For more than 33 years, Caceres Medical Group has served adults and seniors patients with compassionate, comprehensive medical care.
We provide many in- office diagnostic services and health care to adults and seniors under one roof.
Coordination with medical and surgical specialists when needed.
Experience and convenience care with fewer trips and more personal care.

Schedule an Appointment

For evaluation of dizziness, fainting, diabetes-related nerve symptoms, blood pressure instability, or possible autonomic dysfunction, please contact Caceres Medical Group.

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(714) 821-8588

Evaluating the Nerves That Control Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, and Circulation

Autonomic Nervous System Test