The pathophysiologic mechanisms causing supine hypertension in patients with autonomic failure are not completely understood.In MSA patients, supine hypertension may be explained by residual sympathetic tone, possibly acting on hypersensitive adrenoreceptors and unstrained by the lack of baroreflex modulation. In contrast, the pathogenesis of hypertension in PAF remains unknown. Hypertension in these patients is not related to intravascular volume, residual sympathetic tone, or renin mechanisms. Increased vascular resistance is the underlying hemodynamic mechanism. The driving force of this increased vascular tone, however, is not known.