Complicaciones cardiovasculares en pacientes con Parkinson tratados con levodopa. Revisión Sistemática

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders worldwide after Alzheimer’s disease, according to the WHO. It is characterized by muscle rigidity, tremors, and lack of coordination in various activities. It appears in the later stages of life and has a genetic predisposition. This pathology, like others, presents complications that affect different organs and systems. In this case, the various cardiovascular complications caused by the drugs of choice for treating this disease will be analyzed. These complications include hypotension, arrhythmias, precordial pain, so on. The dose at which the drug may become toxic will also be mentioned. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review study on cardiovascular complications in Parkinson’s patients treated with levodopa. METHODOLOGY: This research will employ a qualitative and quantitative approach developed through a systematic review. RESULTS: The data show that the most frequently occurring cardiovascular complication in the studies reviewed was orthostatic hypotension (49%), followed by arrhythmias (23%) and palpitations (19%), while precordial pain accounted for only 9%. These findings reflect a greater scientific interest in hemodynamic and cardiac rhythm alterations associated with Parkinson’s disease treated with levodopa. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that the most frequent cardiovascular complications are related to autonomic dysfunction and electrical disturbances of the heart, with cerebral hypoperfusion and electrical conduction alterations being the most prominent pathophysiological mechanisms. Keywords: levodopa, Parkinson’s disease, carbidopa, cardiovascular, complications