Arterial baroreflex sensitivity in physiological conditions and cardiovascular diseases
Abstract
Background: Arterial baroreceptor reflex is an important mechanism of short-term blood pressure regulation. Arterial baroreceptors are located in the carotid artery and aortic arch walls. After afferent baroreceptor signal is processed in medulla oblongata, efferent signals are transmitted to heart and blood vessels by sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Baroreflex sensitivity of heart rate regulation indicates the degree of change in heart rate (or R – R interval) for a given unit change of systolic blood pressure. It can be measured by traditional laboratory methods which are invasive. Modern noninvasive techniques for baroreflex sensitivity assessment are based on spontaneous baroreflex modulation of heart rate.
Conclusions: Baroreflex sensitivity decreases with aging, increasing heart rate, increased body mass index, after prolonged bed rest and under conditions of weightlessness. Conversely, it increases during sleep and after regular physical training. Moreover, baroreflex sensitivity is decreased in arterial hypertension, heart failure and in the post-myocardial infarction phase. Decreased baroreflex sensitivity represents an independent risk factor for sudden cardiac death in heart failure patients and after myocardial infarction.
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References
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