The findings do suggest, however, that looking at the cHR/cSBP ratio could help identify neurogenic orthostatic hypotension earlier, reducing delays in treatment and decreasing the need for expensive testing, the researchers said.
“I think there will be a place for genuine, solid autonomic function tests, but many patients cannot get referred to these services, or they don’t have these specialist medical centers on their doorstep, particularly in rural communities,” Dr. Norcliffe-Kaufmann said in the interview.
The study was supported by the National institutes of Health Rare Disease Clinical Research Network. Dr. Norcliffe-Kaufmann and her coauthors reported no potential conflicts of interest.
SOURCE: Norcliffe-Kaufmann L et al. Ann Neurol. 2018 Mar;83(3):522-31.