[Evaluation of effect of levodopa on heart rate variability in Parkinson's disease]

ABSTRACT

Background: Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative process that in addition to other problems leads to autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Heart Rate Variability is a normal phenomena that appears during deep breathing and valsalva maneuver, but in some diseases such as Parkinson's Disease, may diminishes. Levodopa is a principal agent in treating Parkinson's Disease, so, it is probable that it would cause or worsen autonomic nervous system dysfunction in some patients