Peripheral autonomic dysfunction and vascular mechanics in non-diabetic hypertensive patients: a pilot study using electrochemical skin conductance.

The clinical significance of peripheral autonomic dysfunction in assessing cardiovascular risk in non-diabetic hypertensive patients is unclear. In a cohort of 93 hypertensive patients without diabetes or neurodegenerative diseases, we examined the correlation between electrochemical skin conductance, arterial stiffness, ambulatory blood pressure parameters, and cardiovascular risk scores. Electrochemical skin conductance was not associated with arterial stiffness or global cardiovascular risk. However, it was lower in older patients and in patients with impaired renal function, suggesting a potential link with microvascular or end-organ involvement.