Assessing Autonomic Function in Aging and Disease Using VitalScan
Annie TL Young, Slav Danev, Jonathan RT Lakey
The autonomic nervous system plays a critical role in maintaining homeostasis by regulating vital
physiological functions, including cardiovascular, respiratory, and thermoregulatory processes.
Autonomic dysfunction, often seen in chronic conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, cancer,
and cardiovascular diseases, can lead to severe complications if left undiagnosed and untreated. This
review explores the importance of autonomic dysfunction in the context of aging, diabetic autonomic
neuropathy and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy, with a focus on novel diagnostic tools like Heart
Rate Variability (HRV) and the VitalScan technology. HRV, evaluated using the VitalScan-ANS system,
is emerging as a key marker for evaluating autonomic imbalance, providing valuable insights into
cardiovascular health, disease progression, and even early cancer detection.
The VitalScan-SudoCheck system, which evaluates sudomotor function, offers a non-invasive, efficient
approach for diagnosing early signs of autonomic neuropathy, particularly in individuals with diabetes.
Additionally, the review discusses the integration of arterial stiffness indices and Ankle-Brachial Index
(ABI), assessed using the VitalScan-Vascular system, to enhance cardiovascular risk assessment. The
combination of these diagnostic technologies holds promise for improving early detection, personalized
treatment, and patient outcomes. Future research should aim to refine these diagnostic tools, standardize
their clinical application, and expand their use across diverse populations to facilitate more effective
management of autonomic dysfunction and related complications. Ultimately, this review underscores
the need for comprehensive diagnostic strategies to monitor and address autonomic dysfunction,
enhancing clinical care for patients with a wide range of chronic conditions.
