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ANS (Autonomic Nervous System) Testing

What is ANS Testing?

ANS is a non-invasive diagnostic test used by Galaxy Health Family Practice. This FDA cleared test is used to help identify diseases that may be associated with the Autonomic Nervous System, Autonomic Regulation and Autonomic Function. Testing these systems may uncover major illnesses and other hidden diseases such as:

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  • Sudden Death/Silent Heart Attack

  • Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

  • Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

  • Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy (DAN)

  • Anxiety/Stress

  • Pain Management

  • Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy (CAN)

  • Vascular Abnormalities

  • Cardiac Arrhythmias

  • Beta-Blocker Responsiveness

  • Orthostatic Hypotension

  • Syncope

  • Neurological and Psychological Conditions

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The amount of information that a single ANS test can provide may very well save the life of an ill, elderly, or seemingly healthy person.

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The ANS test offers a fast, simple and effective way to test patients for multiple illnesses, provide early indications of health risks to help prevent illness, disease, and progressive stress conditions before onset and development.

 

This allows Galaxy Health Family Practice to provide improved patient care, help prevent more costly medical procedures and maximize the use of the patient’s time.

How is the ANS test performed?

It may be likely you have many questions or reservations regarding a new procedure that you are unfamiliar with. However, don’t let simple confusion or misunderstanding inhibit you from doing what is best for your health. The ANS test is designed to best evaluate your bodily functions and plays a significant role in investigating those who suffer from various diseases. There are no invasive or potentially harmful procedures involved, and often a single exam lasts less than 30 minutes and can be performed by a Medical Assistant.

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The test involves four separate procedures, each of which is designed to determine a particular aspect of your Autonomic Nervous System (ANS).

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  1. Resting Phase

    • Heart Rate Variability combined with beat-to-beat blood pressure is measured to obtain a baseline of how the autonomic system is functioning during the resting phase

  2. Deep (Metronomic) Breathing Test

    • Heart Rate Variability combined with beat-to-beat blood pressure is measured and monitored during Deep Breathing

    • Additional comparisons are made to determine the changes during Deep Breathing from a baseline

  3. Valsalva Test

    • Heart Rate Variability combined with beat-to-beat blood pressure is measured during the Valsalva Maneuver.

    • Additional monitoring and comparisons are obtained to determine the change from the baseline in comparison with the Valsalva Maneuver.

  4. Standing or Tilt Test

    • Heart Rate Variability coupled with beat-to-beat blood pressure is monitored and measured during Standing/Tilt and changes are compared with the baseline.

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