BP and HR interactions: Assessment of spontaneous baroreceptor reflex sensitivity

Abstract

© 2018 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. The arterial baroreceptor reflex (BRR) is a key neurogenic control mechanism of the arterial blood pressure (BP) that acts as a negative feedback corrector. It counteracts BP deviations from a reference set point by modulating heart rate (HR) and peripheral resistance. The BRR is crucial for maintaining BP during postural challenge, including active standing and passive upright tilt (Eckberg 2008). By contrast, the BRR is suppressed during exercise and stress to allow simultaneous increase of BP and HR required for ‘fight and 200flight’ response (Raven et al. 2005; Bajic et al. 2010). Remodeling of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) control of the cardiovascular system, and of the baroreceptor function, occurs in cardiovascular diseases (La Rovere et al. 2008). Permanent resetting of the BRR characterizes primary hypertension, while reduction of BRR sensitivity (BRS) has been found to predict bad outcomes (Di Rienzo et al. 2009). Deregulation of BP in neurologic disorders associated with ANS dysfunction (dysautonomia) is due to impairment of BRR function.