Ergometry

There was no significant difference in exercise tolerance. Only heart rate, rate pressure product and oxygen pulse were significantly altered by surgical procedure. Heart rate significantly decreased at rest, submaximal effort, and maximally exertion. As there were no significant changes in VO2, this resulted in a significant increase in oxygen pulse. The rate pressure product has undergone significant reduction.

Thoracoscopic sympathectomy does not seem to influence exercise capacity, as it produces responses in the cardiovascular and/or muscular system. The finding of heart rate reduction is compatible with other studies. Further studies are needed to determine the mechanism responsible for unaffected work capacity.

Pharmacological tests

n the hypertensive test, sympathectomy significantly reduced baroreflex sensitivity in all patients. 1 patient in this group presented complete inhibition of the baroreflex. In the hypotensive test, a reduction in baroreflex sensitivity was also found, and 9 of the 21 patients had complete inhibition.

Sympathectomy suppressed baroreflex heart rate control in hypertensive and hypotensive tests in patients with palmar or axillary hyperhidrosis under anesthesia in small doses. A simpatovagal imbalance has been reported with a parasympathetic balance predominance. Further studies are needed.

Postural provocative tests

Some hemodynamic responses in the sitting position were altered after sympathectomy, an increase in mean HR due to the sitting position disappeared after the procedure. The ejection volume and total peripheral resistance due to vertical position doubled after the procedure. Blood pressure values did not undergo significant changes in

Thoracic sympathectomy reduced mean heart rate and mean blood pressure. Autonomic function tests were not altered, although there were changes in cardiovascular control.