LOW BLOOD PRESSURE IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE

   CAUSE:

• Low blood pressure is caused by Parkinson's Disease combined with aging and aggravated by
• Parkinson medication and sometimes other medications.

     DIAGNOSIS :

• Blood pressure needs to be checked lying down and then standing – immediately and for a
• few minutes after standing.

     SYMPTOMS:

• This can cause dizziness on standing but can present without this symptom. Common symptoms
• include weakness with exercise, fatigue, sweating, poor concentration, neck pain, headache,
• and poor balance. 

     NON MEDICATION TREATMENT:

• Avoid blood pressure lowering medications if possible.
• Drink 8 – 10 glasses of water per day.
• Have a drink of clear liquid, tea or coffee before rising, sit on edge of bed for 5 – 10 minutes
• before standing
• Add salt to cooking or meals after cooking
• Remain seated for 20 – 30 minutes after a main meal, dose of medication, and for a few
• minutes after a bowel movement
• Sit down to towel off after a hot bath or shower and to urinate (men)
• Stay out of hot sun
• Never stand still because blood will pool in the legs
• Elevated the head of the bed 4 to 6 inches (not just pillows under the head!)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
• Pressure (eg. TED or JOBST) stockings to waist.
• Abdominal binders

     MEDICATION TREATMENT:

• Domperidone 10 mgs with each meal (Caution needed as information in 2012 suggests higher doses in elderly patients can increase the risk of arrhythmia)
• Florinef (retains salt)
• Amatine (causes vessels to tighten and raises blood pressure)