Widespread cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in primary amyloidosis: does spontaneous hyperventilation have a compensatory role against postural hypotension?

ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE:To investigate the possible causes of abnormal blood pressure control in light chain related (primary, AL) amyloidosis. DESIGN:Cardiovascular, autonomic, and respiratory response to passive tilting were investigated in 51 patients with primary amyloidosis (mean (SEM) age 56 (2) years) and in 20 age matched controls. Spontaneous fluctuations in RR interval, respiration, end tidal carbon dioxide, blood pressure, and skin microcirculation were recorded during supine rest and with tilting. The values were subjected to spectral analysis to assess baroreflex sensitivity and the autonomic modulation of cardiac and vascular responses. SETTING:Tertiary referral centre. RESULTS:Autonomic modulation of the heart and blood pressure was nearly absent in the patients with amyloidosis: thus bar

SUBMITTER: Bernardi L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1767452 | biostudies-literature | 2002 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature