The deterioration of cardiovascular reflexes in Parkinson's disease.
OBJECTIVE
We have investigated the deterioration of cardiovascular reflexes in Parkinson's disease.


METHODS
In a group of 20 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and in a group of 10 age-matched control subjects a battery of cardiovascular reflex (CVR) tests (Valsalva manoeuvre, deep breathing test, handgrip test, orthostatic test) was repeated after 3 years.


RESULTS
In PD patients at deep breathing test, at Valsalva manoeuvre and at orthostatic test the heart rate response decreased significantly (P<0.05). The impairment of systolic and diastolic blood pressure response at orthostatic test was significant as well (P < 0.005). At hand grip test no significant changes in heart rate and blood pressure response were found. In control subjects only heart rate response at orthostatic test decreased significantly after 3 years.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results show progression of an impairment of sympathetic and parasympathetic control of the cardiovascular functions in patients with PD over a period of 3 years.
Mesec
A
A
Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Sega
S
S
Trost
M
M
Pogacnik
T
T
D000368:Aged; D001794:Blood Pressure; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012021:Reflex, Abnormal