VSD Symptoms: Which Signs Are Associated with Vegetovascular Dystonia

The heart races, the chest feels tight, by evening the head aches, and in the morning it is hard to get out of bed. For many years such sensations were explained with one word — vegetovascular dystonia. Below is what signs are associated with this term and what may be hiding behind it.

What is called VSD and why the term is controversial

The term "vegetovascular dystonia" was proposed by N. N. Savitsky, an academician of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences, in the late 1950s. It describes a complex of symptoms that may be caused by a wide variety of diseases and disorders rather than a single illness.

There is no such diagnosis in the International Classification of Diseases. Foreign doctors use specific names instead: generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, somatoform disorder. More accurate names from the ICD are somatoform autonomic dysfunction of the nervous system (F45.3), and for some neurological disorders — other disorders of the autonomic nervous system (G90.8) and unspecified disorder of the autonomic nervous system (G90.9). In CIS countries, VSD is often diagnosed in childhood, without consultation with a psychiatrist, and such a diagnosis saves time on the diagnostic search.

Which symptoms are associated with VSD

The list of manifestations is broad, and they mimic the symptoms of various diseases: neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, urogenital, gastrointestinal. Headache is cited as the leading sign by frequency.

General autonomic manifestations include slightly elevated temperature, asthenia, autonomic paroxysms, muscle-tonic disorders, cramps in the calf muscles, paresthesias — numbness, itching, burning in various parts of the body. There may be restlessness, anxiety, irritability, and changes in sweating.

• headache
• a feeling of lack of air
• dizziness and rapid pulse when standing up
• cramps in the calf muscles, numbness, itching, burning
• anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating

How symptoms manifest in women and in men

There are no separate "female" and "male" lists: in both women and men, autonomic dysfunction manifests as palpitations, headache, weakness, sweating, and anxiety.

In autonomic nervous system disorders in men, erectile dysfunction is described. In postural tachycardia, well-being worsens during menstrual days.

Problems with breathing, swallowing, and when it is worse

Among the manifestations of autonomic nervous system disorders, sources cite problems with breathing and swallowing. Sources do not directly mention a "lump in the throat" — the reference is specifically to difficulty swallowing.

In postural tachycardia, symptoms are usually worse in the morning, and sleep is disturbed. There is no data in the sources about nighttime episodes of palpitations, sweating, and lack of air.

Which diseases may hide behind these symptoms

Autonomic disturbances are more often secondary. They occur against the background of mental disorders — anxiety, depressive, somatoform — or somatic diseases: endocrine disorders, hypertension, coronary heart disease, myocarditis, anemia, systemic lupus erythematosus, neurological disorders. Hormonal shifts in adolescence produce a similar picture.

Autonomic nervous system disorders may be independent or a consequence of other diseases — Parkinson's disease, alcoholism, diabetes. Manifestations of postural tachycardia are similar to signs of low blood pressure. With breathing and heart problems, such conditions can be life-threatening, so the same complaints may hide both harmless and serious causes.

How diagnosis is carried out and when a doctor is needed

The doctor checks blood pressure and pulse before and after standing up — when repeated, this is called an active orthostatic test. Blood tests are prescribed to rule out other causes, and an electrocardiogram. If it is unclear what is happening, or the condition is severe, the patient is referred to a specialist: they may perform echocardiography, 24-hour blood pressure and pulse monitoring, a tilt-table test, and urine tests.

Examination takes time: the manifestations resemble other diseases. A doctor should be consulted for any such symptoms: symptoms are best discussed with a doctor.

VSD by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103/112 — if chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting or a near-fainting state, or impaired breathing or heart function occur.

The material is for reference and does not replace consultation with a doctor: similar sensations are discussed at an in-person appointment.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer