The autonomic nervous system regulates the heart rate, expansion and contraction of blood vessels as well as blood pressure. The heart rate of a healthy person becomes faster when they breathe in and slower when they breathe out.
The symptoms of damage to the autonomic nervous system of the circulatory system include the inability to alter the heart rate when inhaling and exhaling, palpitations, exercise intolerance and a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up. The medical term for it is orthostatic hypotension.
Damage to the autonomic nervous systems of the circulatory system increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
The regulation of blood circulation can be examined by checking the blood pressure and heart rate lying down and standing up. This is called the orthostatic test. The blood pressure and heart rate are first measured when lying down and then again after quickly standing up unsupported. If the results are inconclusive, further examinations may be required.
If the symptom is a drop in blood pressure related to nerve damage, it is important that a doctor carefully assess any medication affecting the blood pressure. Symptoms can be self-alleviated by standing up more slowly and wearing support socks. In more severe cases, it is possible to use blood pressure-increasing medication.