Abstract

We evaluated the heart rate changes induced by single maximal breathing in 125 normal subjects in the age range 17--73 years. Test results declined with age Log-transformation was used to construct an age-related normal range and its diagnostic value was investigated in 82 diabetics(age 16-72 years) with or without autonomic neuropathy. Only 1 of 24 diabetic patients with typical symptoms of autonomic neuropathy scored above the lower limit of normal range. Even in the 58 patients without any symptom of autonomic neuropathy, IR were in the range of autonomic neuropathy. Measurement of tbis age-dependent heart rate changes during single maximal breathing provides a simple and accurat diagnostic screen for diabetic autonomic neuropathy