The adapted Autonomic Profile (aAP) home-based test for the evaluation of neuro-cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction, 2022, Sivan et al.

Sivan M, Corrado J, Mathias C. “The adapted Autonomic Profile (aAP) home-based test for the evaluation of neuro-cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction.” Adv Clin Neurosci Rehabil 2022;
https://doi.org/10.47795/QKBU6715

Abstract

Autonomic dysfunction is an increasingly recognised complication in chronic neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, and other medical conditions, including diabetes mellitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) with and without Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, fibromyalgia and recently Long COVID.

Despite laboratory-based tests to evaluate normal and abnormal autonomic function, there are no home-based tests to record neuro-cardiovascular autonomic responses to common stimuli in daily life that are dependent on normal functioning of the autonomic nervous system.

We have developed an adapted blood pressure/heart rate Autonomic Profile (aAP) that can be used by an individual independently and repeatedly in a domiciliary setting to determine the physiological and symptomatic response to standing, food, and physical or mental (cognitive, emotional) activities.

The aAP aids separating autonomic failure (often irreversible) from autonomic dysfunction.

This helps the individual and attending healthcare professional understand the relationship between symptoms and common triggers in daily life and informs on self-management in debilitating conditions such as the postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) and Long COVID.

Free full text:
https://acnr.co.uk/articles/the-ada...f-neuro-cardiovascular-autonomic-dysfunction/

 

Looks useful - the case study highlighted is that of a teacher , who didn't meet POTs BP criteria but monitoring over time highlighted -

"On walking, HR increased by 28bpm after 3 min standing when she was dizzy.
After lunch (ham sandwich and diet coke), HR increased by 27bpm after 3 min standing with headache.
After mild physical exertion (putting away washed clothes, up and down the stairs twice), HR increased by 34bpm after 3 min of standing (after exertion) and she was symptomatic.
After dinner (slice of toast, banana, decaf tea), HR increased by 40bpm after 3 min standing and she became symptomatic feeling breathless.

The aAP in this case was useful in providing evidence of dysautonomia through postural HR changes obtained in a home setting. It indicated a specific trigger for her symptoms, food ingestion, which she was not aware of. She was advised on post-prandial triggers, and this included eating smaller portions if needed more frequently and reducing refined carbohydrates by switching to low glycaemic index foods."

 

I would be very wary of anecdotal evidence like this.
An increased heart rate need not be evidence of Dysautonomia. It may be evidence of a well-functioning autonomic system responding to something else.

Tis is an area where pseudoscience constantly dominates.