Low Baroreceptor Reflex/ansar Test

[username]

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[Katybug]

Hi there. I hate to sound like a broken record, as I just told another newbie this, but, my best advice is to see a doctor that specializes in autonomic dysfunction because it sounds like you may very well have some form of it. Ansar tests arevalid tests and are part of the testing most atonomic docs do. Here is a link to the physician's list from the main page of this website to help you find a doc closest to you:

http://www.dinet.org/physicians.htm#United States

[bellgirl]

Welcome to the site. I've heard of this testing, but I initially had a tilt table test, stress test, EKG and Echocardiogram...sorry you have to be here, but it sounds to me that with all those symptoms, you most probably are in the right place. You need either to find a cardiologist/ neurologist or an Autonomic Nervous System Physician in your area like Katybug said. I am on a medication that acts on the Baroreceptors of the vessels, Bystolic, and used to be very tremulous, had jaw pain, hand/wrist issues, other neuritis, tachycardia, anxiety, nausea, IBS, fatigue, and vision issues. I also have B/P issues, too, MVP and sleep apnea. I had a virus 14 years ago that started it all, so it is not uncommon for a virus to be a precursor to POTS, although no one really knows what causes it. You need to get a Tilt table Test to be diagnosed, and someone with this knowledge of this testing process would be a doctor to see.

[username]

Would a tilt table test show anything if I don't have blood pressure/heart rate issues on any other tests (well besides the ansar, if the abnormal results I had from that are even gathered from HR/BP?)? I've had a million tests done by the cardiologist, including a 24hr holter monitor and a stress test, but they said everything is normal.

[Katybug]

Yes the TTT can show abnormalities that the other tests will not (partially because the TTT prevents you from peforming any counter-manuveurs.) I had a Holter monitor and a stress test that showed absolutely nothing. When they stopped my stress test and I had just been unhooked from the montiors, I almost pased out. The tech had to catch me and dragged me to a bed they had in the room. They ran and got my doc but once I was lying on the bed for a couple of minutes I was fine. But, my TTT showed that my supine HR went from 68 to a standing rate of 145 and stayed there for the whole 45 minute test.

[bellgirl]

I agree with Katy...my holter and stress test didn't show anything either, yet my TTT showed I had dyautonomia, along with my echocardiogram that diagnosed my Mitral Valve Prolapse! I only had a 24 hour holter, that became unplugged during the night, and I had already started my beta blocker, though, so I believe it was worthless. I feel my irregular heart beats all the time and my blood pressure cuff detects them, as well!!

[username]

Well I'm in long island, and I've called everything in NYC on that list, as well another I found on google, and none of them take my insurance (1199 NBF). So I'm not sure of what to do aside from trying to get medicaid again. Does anyone have experience with getting these kind of visits/testing reimubursed by their insurance if the doctors don't take it?

Can you have dysautonomia without orthostatic issues, and if you can, would it show up on a TTT? The ansar test only says my heart rate upon standing is "low", and nothing else as far as orthostatic stuff. I don't have any dizziness when standing/walking for long periods or anything like that. I could try to find a local cardiologist/neurologist that could atleast have a TTT done even if they aren't an autonomic expert, do you think that would be worth it in my case?

And does anyone have any input on the low baroreceptor reflex/artieole dilation/low reflection index that showed on the ansar test? Outside of delayed gastric emptying, and liver enzymes coming back elevated on two occasions (but normal otherwise) those are the only abnormal testing results I've ever had for anything, and what led me to research autonomic conditions, and to this forum in the first place.

One other thing I forgot to mention, but may not be related; normally I sweat very little, but occasionally I get periods of night sweats that last for days, up to like a week. Can occur even in winter. Only had this in the last 2 years or so.

[Katybug]

There are different forms and presentations of dysautonomia and if your heart rate drops drastically upon standing, that probably qualifies as an orthostatic intolerance (just not POTS). I have never researched the ANSAR because mine was normal, so no feedback there. You mention that you sweat very little...that's another potential symptom of dysautonomia, as are night sweats. Part of good autonomic testing usually includes a sweat test to see if there are parts of your body that fail to sweat. I was sent for my TTT by a regular cardiologist, not an autonomic specialist, so if you can find one that's willing, that would at least get the process started. If the test shows abnormalities, then that at last gives you more diagnostic information and keeps the process moving forward. If it comes to needing a specialist, then maybe you can look into docs in NJ or CT, or maybe you can call some of the NY docs back and see if you can be seen at the lower "insurance rates" which is often only a fraction of what the docs claim their hourly rate is.

[username]

I'm confused by the standing heart rate bit on the ansar. The actual numbers it gives are 87 resting and 96 standing, which I assume to be normal, but the conclusion/comment/whatever you call it says heart rate upon standing is low. If I feel my own pulse upon standing, it clearly speeds up for a moment before going back down, so I have no idea.

The "low baroceptor reflex; possible parasympathetic dysfunction resulting in hypoactive response" comment is based on my deep breathing numbers seemingly being way off. It seems like my parasympathetic system being underactive could explain most, if not all of my symptoms, but I'm not sure if that even makes sense if it still manages to keep my BP/HR normal.

I'll try to get a TTT done somewhere for now. I'm guessing it will come back normal, but it can't hurt.

[potsdo]

I just had an ANSAR test. It showed Paradoxic Parasympathetic Syndrome. The physician I saw is a cardiologist who specializes in Autonomic disorders. He's changing all of my medications because he said I need to be on centrally acting meds. Here's a link that explains ANSAR results:

http://www.ans-hrv.com/interp_univmiami_fr.pdf

[bellgirl]

Thanks...this was very informative and easy to understand, docpots. I've never seen such a thorough explanation for ANSAR testing, but can tell you from knowing my body, and being a nurse, that I have more sympathetic responses, and think I am being treated properly.

[Zap]

I wish there was someone close that performed ANSAR testing. I spoke with the company, though, and it appears that everyone is at least somewhat far away. If I end up travelling at some point, maybe I can get testing done then. I do think that their method is unique in the way it tests both sides of the ANS, and that is probably helpful in finding a better treatment method.

[issie]

It would take a lot of the guess work out and give more definitive answers a whole lot faster. I had to figure some of this out the hard way - lots of trial and error. More error than anything. Most of this testing is done in an autonomic test center - but, having it detailed on paper and figured out for you without all the interpretation needed - WOW. Science is advancing.

Issie

[AllAboutPeace]

username: I'm sorry to hear that you are having all of these issues with no answers.

I was hesitant to mention this because you have probably been all through it, but are you sure you don't have any issues with gluten? They symptoms for gluten sensitivity/intolerance are soo broad and could cover many of your symptoms.

As I was reading through your post, I couldn't help think of a friend of mine and what she had been through. I know that you said that you didn't test positive for Celiac, but when I think of my friend and her symptoms (fatigue, acne that wouldn't clear up, gastro issues/bloating - those are the ones I know about), it sounded similar. She did not test positive for Celiac either, but she switched to a gluten free diet and her symptoms cleared up. She is sure now that was her issue. On the occasions when she has even a little gluten, she gets gastro symptoms right away. Also, her daughter tested very positive for Celiac recently, so it would make sense that at least a 'sensitivity' exists with her despite the fact that her test came back negative.

My niece was also diagnosed recently, but she only showed borderline in her bloodwork. Because of her symptoms, they opted to do the biopsy anyway and it confirmed Celiac. Her mother was convinced that she had many food allergies and had taken her off all milk products, etc, but when she switched to gluten free, she discovered that she was actually ok with everything else and she's back to eating a varied diet (minus the gluten) without all of the nasty issues. It has made such a huge difference for them, but in both of those cases their initial tests weren't indicative of the problem.

I hope you find some answers soon...

[Gemma]

Hi everyone. I am new to this forum and have question about the ansar test. I just had it done 3weeks ago and the doc said there is something wrong with parasympathetic and he wants to balance it back with meds. He gave me coreg, midodrine and amitriptyline. I started having symptoms about 6 month ago, after i was diagnosed with mononucleosis. So at first i thought my weakness was due to this virus, but 6 month later, i am still very fatigue, developed orthostatic hypotension, increased HR upon standing, and really bad anxiety. I thought all this time that I might be having an anxiety and thats what causing all my symptoms, but recently had this ansar test done which showed abnormal results. He said my parasympathetic is overeacting, but I would this my sympathetic would be overeacting because of constant feeling of anxiety like 24/7, even xanax doesnt help anymore. I am not sure how accurate this test is. I tried the meds, but the side effects were so bad that i stoped, but doc said to continue. I dont really know what my results mean, so really confused. I am debating wether i should give this meds a try or just try like some ssri for anxiety. How reliable this test is? The oc that did a test is cardio doc who specializes in ans system, so i think i should blive him, but still have doubts about it. Any advise please. Thanks a lot.