What is it?

VSAT is a combination of 3 very simple tests that show your provider how strong your cardiovascular (heart) and nervous systems are. It will provide valuable information they will use to determine what kind of impact your pain may be having on your overall health, identify early risk for heart disease, stroke, various neuropathies and will help them determine if your current treatment plan is working.

Does it hurt?

No!!! VSAT is very comfortable. No needles, no shots, no pain, no blood draws or treadmills. Precision Pain Care vital systems assessment testing only requires topically applied sensors.

The only thing you’ll be asked to do is stay away from caffeine and nicotine 2 hours before being tested, remove shoes and socks and relax for the duration of each test. For ladies, a lighter shade of nail polish on your left Index finger will also be helpful.

Precision Pain Care VSAT consists of three tests:

1. Heart Rate Variability is a measure of the minute variations in R-R wave intervals and is considered the best surrogate measure of parasympathetic/sympathetic balance. HRV is also an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In patients without known cardiovascular disease, low HRV scores were found to increase the risk of a first CV event by 32-45%. Low HRV has also been directly associated with progression of coronary atherosclerosis. Notably, the Framingham Study found that reduced heart rate variability was the only predictor of risk for sudden cardiac death. Later studies have also supported this finding.

2. Pulse Wave Velocity is the gold standard non-invasive test for arterial elasticity and is an independent predictor of risk for adverse cardiovascular events, including stroke and myocardial infarction.

3. Sudomotor Function Testing helps diagnose and monitor the progression of neuropathies, especially stocking/glove diabetic neuropathy.

How long does it take?

VSAT is done in 3 steps and lasts a total of just 20 minutes.

Why does my doctor want me to be tested?

Because you have reported or been treated for any number of symptoms, conditions or have family health history that could put you at an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, advanced neuropathies, ect. Your risk can be compounded if you are being treated for a chronic pain condition.

These symptoms, conditions or lifestyle habits could include, but are not limited to:
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Swelling in hands or feet
• Hypotension
• Limb pain
• High blood pressure
• Rapid heartbeat
• High cholesterol

Non-invasive and preventive testing of the cardiovascular & neurological systems

These three tests provide detailed information about risks for cardiovascular and neurological disease, often before other tests would show any abnormality.

VSAT testing is also sensitive to changes in medications and lifestyle. It quickly reflects improvements or disease progression. This shows whether treatment efforts are properly working to increase health.

These three tests provide detailed information about risks for cardiovascular and neurological disease, often before other tests would show any abnormality.

VSAT saves lives

Precision Pain Care vital systems assessment testing saves lives and helps preserve quality of life. It provides vital health information before other tests do, allowing early intervention to prevent further problems.

Statistically, for every 100-150 vital systems assessment tests completed, at least one life-saving intervention will be indicated.

Each test is validated by dozens of years of use and hundreds of pages of scientific study showing safety and efficacy.

Is it covered by insurance?

Precision Pain Care vital systems assessment testing is covered by Medicare and most insurance, although copays and deductibles may apply.