Autonomic Function Testing: Practical Insights

Autonomic Function Testing: Practical Insights is a clinically focused guide to the assessment, interpretation, and practical application of autonomic nervous system testing in cardiovascular and systemic disease. Designed for modern clinical practice, this book translates complex autonomic physiology into clear diagnostic frameworks that support real-world patient evaluation and decision-making.Covering the full spectrum of autonomic function testing (AFT), this volume provides step-by-step guidance on cardiovagal, adrenergic, sudomotor, and tilt-table testing, integrating physiological principles with practical bedside application. Emphasis is placed on understanding normal and abnormal autonomic responses, recognizing diagnostic patterns, and applying test findings within broader clinical contexts.Key topics include:Fundamentals of autonomic nervous system physiology, including sympathetic and parasympathetic regulationCardiovagal testing, including deep breathing tests, Valsalva maneuver, and heart rate response to standingAdrenergic function assessment, with evaluation of orthostatic blood pressure responses and autonomic cardiovascular regulationSudomotor testing techniques, including QSART, thermoregulatory sweat testing, and sympathetic skin responseTilt-table testing protocols and interpretation, including differentiation of vasovagal syncope, autonomic failure, and orthostatic syndromesContinuous and ambulatory autonomic monitoring, including heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity testingClinical applications in heart failure, diabetes, syncope, hypertension, and neurodegenerative disordersThe book emphasizes structured interpretation and practical troubleshooting, helping clinicians navigate common challenges such as artifacts, inconclusive findings, and patient-related limitations. Real-world clinical scenarios and diagnostic frameworks support accurate interpretation and reproducible testing strategies.Special attention is given to:Autonomic dysfunction in cardiovascular disease, particularly HFrEF and HFpEFPostural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and autonomic neuropathiesLaboratory setup, safety considerations, and protocol standardizationEmerging technologies, including wearable monitoring, artificial intelligence, and digital autonomic diagnosticsBuilt around evidence-based protocols, practical workflows, and clinically relevant interpretation strategies, this book serves as a bridge between autonomic physiology and day-to-day patient care.Who This Book Is ForCardiologists and electrophysiologistsNeurologists and autonomic disorder specialistsInternal medicine and syncope cliniciansCardiology and neurology traineesHealthcare professionals involved in autonomic and cardiovascular diagnosticsKey FeaturesStep-by-step practical guidance for autonomic testingIntegration of physiology, diagnostics, and clinical interpretationCoverage of cardiovascular, neurological, and systemic autonomic disordersTroubleshooting strategies and protocol optimizationDiscussion of emerging technologies and future applicationsPart of the Clinical Practical Insights series, this book provides clinicians with a practical and evidence-based framework for performing and interpreting autonomic function testing in contemporary clinical practice.