ABNORMALITIES OF BAROREFLEX CONTROL IN HEART-FAILURE

This brief review summarizes abnormalities of arterial and cardiopulmo nary baroreflex control of heart rate and sympathetic nerve activity. The potential role of these abnormalities in the development of the ne urohumoral excitatory state associated with heart failure is discussed . Major emphasis is placed on the identification of important issues s till to be investigated in this area. The potential importance of alte red cardiovascular reflexes in the context of the interaction of the p atient with heart failure and environmental stresses is discussed. The use of the canine rapid ventricular pacing model of biventricular fai lure in the investigation of abnormalities of baroreflexes in heart fa ilure is emphasized. Insights obtained from this model should be exten ded to human investigations.