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The deterioration of cardiovascular reflexes in Parkinson's disease
Author(s) -
Mesec A.,
Šega S.,
Trošt M.,
Pogačnik T.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
acta neurologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.967
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1600-0404
pISSN - 0001-6314
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0404.1999.tb00399.x
Subject(s) - reflex , parkinson's disease , medicine , disease , physical medicine and rehabilitation , neuroscience , psychology
Objectives ‐ We have investigated the deterioration of cardiovascular reflexes in Parkinson's disease. Patients and 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. Conclusion ‐ 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.