Abnormal Response to Valsalva Maneuver in Diabetics: Relation to Autonomic Neuropathy

Abstract

Changes in heart rate on performing the Valsalva maneuver can easily be monitored with an ecg and a modified sphygmomanometer. Observations were made on 24 diabetics and their matched controls. Impairment of cardiovascular reflexes demonstrated by this technic correlated well with the presence of other complications of diabetes, especially neuropathy. Impairment of response increased exponentially with duration of the disease but not with age. Assessment of the degree of autonomic nervous involvement in diabetic patients is of assistance in their management. The procedure employed proved satisfactory in gaining necessary information rapidly with easily available apparatus.