Influence of orthostatic hypotension in Parkinsonʹs disease on plasma atrial natriuretic peptide

The effect of orthostatic hypotension in Parkinsonʹs disease (PD) on plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) was examined in fifteen individuals with PD without autonomic dysfunction (63–85 years), nine PD patients with autonomic dysfunction (orthostatic hypotension; systolic BP change > 20 mmHg after 5 min standing: 69–82 years) and 14 fit elderly volunteers (62–93 years). The mean ANP level was 42.2 pg/ml (range 16.8–89.2 pg/ml) in the PD group without autonomic dysfunction; 44.4 pg/ml (range 27.2–91.2 pg/ml) in the PD group with autonomic dysfunction; and 48.5 pg/ml (range 22.2–111.6 pg/ml) in the elderly group. There was no statistical difference in plasma atrial natriuretic peptide between all three groups. The mean change in blood pressure was -39 mmHg (systolic) and −18 mmHg (diastolic) between supine and standing in the group with orthostatic hypotension.