BAROREFLEX SENSITIVITY

Baroreflex Sensitivity. Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) has rapidly gaine d considerable attention as a result of multiple experimental and clin ical reports on its prognostic value after a myocardial infarction. Th is article reviews the several aspects related to the use and signific ance of BRS. The methodology of baroreflex testing in man is described . The complex pathophysiology underlying BRS and the hypotheses propos ed to explain its frequent reduction after a myocardial infarction are discussed. The section on experimental data also provides a rationale to understand the relation between increased vagal activity and reduc ed propensity for ventricular fibrillation. The article focuses largel y on the clinical studies relating BRS and risk of cardiac mortality a nd also discusses the several attempts to modify this marker of reflex vagal activation.