Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Objectives Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a highly investigated neurologic disorder, creating dysfunction and disability. The demyelination of the central nervous system can cause disturbances in the autonomic regulation. The existence of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction (CAD) within this population remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to examine the existence of CAD in the MS population, compared to the healthy population. Methods Seventy-five participants were included in this screening study, including 51 MS patients and 24 age- and sex matched healthy controls. The participants were subjected to five different autonomic tests: sustained handgrip test, valsalva maneuver, deep breathing test, cold pressure test and passive tilt test. Heart rate and/or blood pressure responses were continuously measured. Results There were no differences in age and sex between the MS and the control group. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of CAD in the MS group (38.78%) and the control group (30.43%). During the deep breathing test the variation in heart rate was significantly lower in MS patients compared to the healthy controls. Other autonomic tests failed to show a significant difference between both groups. Regarding the MS group, small but significant correlations were discovered between the EDSS/disease duration and the results from the deep breathing test. Conclusion The results of this study did not indicate CAD in MS in comparison to the healthy population.