Hemodynamic Responses to an Exercise Stress Test in Parkinsonʼs Disease Patients without Orthostatic Hypotension: 1092 Board #326 May 29 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

The presence of postganglionic sympathetic denervation is well established in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Denervation at cardiac and peripheral blood vessel sites may lead to abnormal cardiovascular and hemodynamic responses to exercise. PURPOSE: The aim of the present investigation was to examine how heart rate (HR) and hemodynamics are affected by an exercise test in PD patients without orthostatic hypotension. METHODS: Fourteen individuals with PD and sixteen age-matched healthy controls performed an exercise test on a cycle ergometer. HR, blood pressure, and other hemodynamic variables were measured in a fasted state during supine rest, active standing, exercise, and supine recovery. RESULTS: Peak HR and percent of age-predicted maximum HR (HRmax) achieved were significantly blunted in PD (MD=9, p