Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy: Definition, Clinical Significance, and Overview
Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy is dysfunction of the autonomic nerves that regulate heart rate, rhythm, and blood pressure. It is a pathophysiologic complication most often discussed in diabetes care and cardiovascular medicine. It can present with subtle abnormalities on electrocardiogram (ECG) and heart rate variability (HRV) testing before symptoms appear. It matters because it can change risk profiles for syncope, arrhythmia, ischemia, and perioperative instability.