Cardiac autonomic neuropathy in patients with diabetes mellitus in Hue city

ABSTRACT

Autonomic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus. Damage to the heart occurs as part of the wider spectrum of neuropathy. The aim of the study was to determine the percentage of cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in Hue, and the correlations between CAN with age and with diabetic duration. Subclinical cardiac autonomic neurophathy may be assessed by standardized Ewing’s tests. These tests are mainly based on mesurement of changes in heart rate during three vagal activated tests: deep-breathing, changing positions from sitting to standing, and using the valsalva maneuver. Fifty individuals with mellitus, aged 18-65 years, diabetic duration 3.25 +/- 3.75 years. Results: diabetic autonomic cardiac neuropathy was detected in 76% of the patients, mild degree: 22%; moderate degree 36%; severe degree 18%. The most affected tests are: the deep breathing 36%; the changing positions: 32%; the valsalva maneuver: 68%. NAC were not correlation with age, and with diabetic duration.