[Autonomic nervous system dysfunction in Parkinson's disease evaluated by the heart rhythm variability test]. / Zaburzenia ukladu autonomicznego w chorobie Parkinsona oceniane testem zmiennosci rytmu serca.

It is well recognized that autonomic dysfunction are common in Parkinson's disease (PD). Fourteen patients with early PD and 8 patients with advanced PD aged from 38-71 were investigated. Heart rate variability at rest differ significantly between patients with advanced PD and age-matched controls. Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in PD mainly affects parasympathetic but also sympathetic system, and occurs only in advanced cases. Heart rate variability is a useful non-invasive test to assess autonomic dysfunction in PD.