The relative contribution of hemodynamic parameters to blood pressure decrease in classical orthostatic hypotension.

Purpose: We studied the relative contributions of total peripheral resistance (TPR), stroke volume (SV) and heart rate (HR) to low blood pressure in classical orthostatic hypotension (cOH) on group and individual levels.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed tilt test records from cOH patients and age/sex-matched controls. We quantified relative effects of HR, SV and TPR on mean arterial pressure (MAP) with the log-ratio method.

Can novel non-invasive autonomic tests help discriminate between pure autonomic failure and multiple system atrophy?

Background: Pure autonomic failure (PAF) and multiple system atrophy (MSA) are rare disorders causing severe autonomic failure. Their initially similar clinical presentation may lead to years of diagnostic difficulties. Improving the differentiation would have an important impact on patients and families in view of better prediction of disease progression.