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Can a racing heartbeat or high heart rate be related to Parkinson's autonomic dysfunction? Yes, it can be.

Parkinson's affects the autonomic nervous system — the part of the nervous system that controls automatic body functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. This can lead to a range of cardiovascular Show Full Answer

Can a racing heartbeat or high heart rate be related to Parkinson's autonomic dysfunction? Yes, it can be.

Parkinson's affects the autonomic nervous system — the part of the nervous system that controls automatic body functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. This can lead to a range of cardiovascular symptoms, including a racing or elevated heart rate. Here are some key things to know about this:

- Autonomic dysfunction in Parkinson's can cause the heart rate to behave irregularly, including beating too fast
- Anxiety and panic attacks, which are common in Parkinson's, can also trigger a racing heartbeat
- Medication side effects from some Parkinson's treatments may also contribute to heart rate changes
- "Off" periods — when medication wears off — can worsen autonomic symptoms, including cardiovascular ones

It's really important to bring this up with your neurologist or doctor as soon as possible. A racing heartbeat should always be evaluated to rule out any serious causes and to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Don't ignore it — your care team can help figure out whether it's linked to autonomic dysfunction, anxiety, medication, or something else entirely.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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