Autonomic Testing

During certain activities, elements of the autonomic nervous system can be tested by simultaneously measuring beat-by-beat blood pressure, ECG and end-tidal CO2. These activities include the tilt table test, deep breathing test and the Valsalva maneuver. For example, upright position angles of greater than 30 degrees (on the tilt table) usually activate the sinoaortic baroreflex, which is essential for the maintenance of blood pressure and cerebral perfusion while standing.