The deterioration of cardiovascular reflexes in Parkinson's disease

Objectives - We have investigated the deterioration of cardiovascular refle xes in Parkinson's disease. Patients and methods - In a group of 20 patient s with Parkinson's disease (PD) and in a group of 10 age-matched control su bjects 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 manoeuv re and at orthostatic test the heart rate response decreased significantly (P < 0.05). The impairment of systolic and diastolic blood pressure respons e at orthostatic test was significant as well (P < 0.005). At hand grip tes t no significant changes in heart rate and blood pressure response were fou nd. In control subjects only heart rate response at orthostatic test decrea sed significantly after 3 years. Conclusion - Our results show progression of an impairment of sympathetic and parasympathetic control of the cardiova scular functions in patients with PD over a period of 3 years.