Assessment of Autonomic Nervous System Function in Patients with Aortic Stenosis and Diabetes Mellitus

TL;DR

This study found that patients with severe aortic stenosis and diabetes have more pronounced autonomic nervous system dysfunction, mainly affecting parasympathetic control.

Contribution

The study introduces ECG-derived autonomic parameters as a complementary tool for assessing autonomic dysfunction in patients with aortic stenosis and diabetes.

Findings

Patients with diabetes showed significantly lower long-term HRV and reduced nonlinear Poincaré plot indices.

Autonomic dysfunction in diabetic patients was mainly linked to altered parasympathetic modulation.

ECG-derived autonomic parameters may provide additional insights into autonomic involvement in this population.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Aortic stenosis is associated with autonomic nervous system (ANS) imbalance, while diabetes mellitus is a major contributor to cardiac autonomic neuropathy. Their coexistence may result in more pronounced autonomic dysfunction not fully captured by conventional assessment. This study aimed to compare ANS function in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), according to diabetes status. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 74 patients with severe aortic stenosis referred for TAVR, including 21 patients with diabetes mellitus. Autonomic function was evaluated using non-invasive ECG-based analysis, incorporating short-term and 24 h Holter-derived heart rate variability (HRV), nonlinear Poincaré plot indices, and deceleration and acceleration capacity. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and standard clinical and echocardiographic assessment were performed. Results: Patients with diabetes mellitus demonstrated significantly lower long-term HRV parameters and reduced nonlinear Poincaré plot indices compared with non-diabetic patients, indicating altered autonomic modulation. Short-term HRV showed similar trends without statistical significance. Echocardiographic severity of aortic stenosis and left ventricular systolic function were comparable between groups. Conclusions: Autonomic dysfunction appears to be more pronounced in patients with severe aortic stenosis and diabetes mellitus, predominantly affecting parasympathetic modulation. ECG-derived autonomic parameters may offer complementary insight into ANS involvement in this population and warrant further investigation.