Cardiac effects of pergolide

Abstract

The effect of pergolide, a semisynthetic ergot alkaloid, alone or combined with carbidopa and levodopa (Sinemet), was examined on the cardiac rhythm of 12 patients with Parkinson''s disease. The patients were selected on the basis of severe Parkinson''s disease and stable cardiac rhythm as determined by 1-5 days of Holter monitoring. Monitoring was carried out for an additional period of 2-10 wk while the patients were on pergolide. Of the 12 patients, 7 had repetitive ventricular rhythms (RVR). These were isolated, infrequent and not associated with increases in premature ventricular contractions. The dose at which the RVR occurred may be a function of the presence or absence of heart disease, but the significance of RVR remains to be determined.