Cardiac dysrhythmias during cardiovascular autonomic reflex tests.

To assess the possible dysrhythmogenic effect of cardiovascular autonomic function tests, ECG tracings of 925 consecutive subjects, taken during a battery of cardiovascular autonomic reflex tests were analyzed. The battery included the Valsalva manoeuvre, deep breathing test, orthostatic and isometric handgrip. The frequency of ventricular extrasystoles increased during or after the tests, compared with the resting phase, in 11% of healthy subjects, in 11% of diabetic subjects and in 23% of subjects with a previous myocardial infarction (p = 0.001 vs healthy subjects). In patients with previous myocardial infarction, the most dysrhythmogenic individual tests were orthostatic and isometric handgrip. In nine subjects, other cardiac rhythm disturbances were detected (including nonsustained ventricular tachycardia, conduction block, and atrial fibrillation). In all cases, the dysrhythmias were asymptomatic and resolved without medical intervention. In conclusion, we consider the cardiovascular reflex test battery safe for the patient. However, due to occasional potentially significant dysrhythmias we recommend continuous monitoring of the electrocardiogram and immediate access to resuscitation facilities during cardiovascular autonomic testing.