Is There A Connection Between Parkinson's Disease And Heart Failure? Know From A Doctor

While not a lot of people know about the link between Parkinson's disease and heart failure, the former can silently affect the heart, increasing the risk of coronary artery disease, heart failure, and cardiac autonomic dysfunction.

World Parkinson's Day 2025: A critical but often overlooked concern is the link between Parkinson's disease and heart failure. Parkinson's disease is understood to be characterised by the onset of tremors, Bradykinesia, rigidity and postural instability, and it is the most common of all neurodegenerative diseases. While Parkinson's is primarily known for affecting movement, it also impacts the autonomic nervous system, which controls vital functions like blood pressure and heart rate. As such, Parkinson's can also silently affect the heart, warn Dr Gurneet Singh Sawhney, senior consultant-neuro and spine surgery at Fortis Hospital, Mulund and Dr Prashant Pawar, consultant-interventional cardiology, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi.

According to the doctors, coronary artery disease, heart failure, cardiac autonomic dysfunction, sudden death and hypertension can be seen in Parkinson's disease. Routine cardiology examinations for Parkinson's patients, therefore, is essential, as it can help them manage many common cardiac ailments.

Citing a few studies, the doctors state that up to 60 per cent of people with Parkinson's experience cardiovascular challenges such as orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure) and irregular heart rhythms or heart rate variability (HRV). "These conditions can cause symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, and even fainting, all of which are early signs of underlying heart issues," they warn.

The experts go on to explain that Parkinson's can lead to autoimmune dysfunction, which can cause blood pressure issues: blood pressure drops when standing up; blood pressure drops after eating; blood pressure drops during sleep; and high blood pressure that occurs when lying down.

"Patients with Parkinson's have an increased risk of developing structural and functional cardiovascular illnesses, such as left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction in addition to -- as the diseases progress -- heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and even ventricular tachyarrhythmias. These patients are at risk of developing heart disease secondary to medication -- for example, orthostatic hypotension, restrictive valvular heart disease, and ventricular tachyarrhythmias," the doctors explain.

According to the health experts, heart rate variability (HRV), which is the natural fluctuation in time between heartbeats, tends to be reduced in individuals who go on to develop Parkinson's, compared to those who do not.

"This suggests that disruptions in the autonomic control of the heart may serve as an early, non-motor sign of the disease. A recent study found Parkinson's patients who experience freezing of gait show greater HRV than those without this symptom. This finding points to a possible connection between gait disturbances and autonomic dysfunction in Parkinson's disease."

The doctors say that the connection between cardiovascular disease and Parkinson's is currently being studied. "Managing both Parkinson's and heart health requires a proactive approach. Heart-healthy diets, tailored physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, regular cardiac check-ups, and medication reviews form the foundation of effective care," they say.

To sum it up, in Parkinson's disease, nervous system dysfunction can trigger cardiac issues, which can significantly reduce the quality of life. But, bringing in a team of neurologists, cardiologists, and rehabilitation experts can help manage symptoms and also allow the body to adapt, recover, and function better. "By raising awareness and encouraging early intervention, we can help Parkinson's patients lead longer, healthier, and more independent lives."