Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

Implantation of Combined Telemetric ECG and Blood Pressure Transmitters to Determine Spontaneous Baroreflex Sensitivity in Conscious Mice
09:56

Implantation of Combined Telemetric ECG and Blood Pressure Transmitters to Determine Spontaneous Baroreflex Sensitivity in Conscious Mice

Published on: February 14, 2021

Baroreflex sensitivity in asymptomatic coronary atherosclerosis

Sakari Simula1, Tomi Laitinen, Esko Vanninen

  • 1Department of Neurology, Mikkeli Central Hospital, Mikkeli, Finland.

Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging
|December 11, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Reduced baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) is linked to early signs of coronary artery disease (CAD) in asymptomatic individuals. This finding suggests that impaired BRS may indicate underlying subclinical atherosclerosis in those at high risk for heart disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Autonomic Nervous System Function
  • Vascular Physiology

Background:

  • Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) is a key indicator of cardiac parasympathetic regulation.
  • Impaired BRS is observed in established coronary artery disease (CAD) and post-myocardial infarction, with prognostic value.
  • The presence of impaired BRS in asymptomatic individuals with subclinical coronary atherosclerosis remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in asymptomatic individuals at high familial risk for CAD.
  • To determine if impaired BRS is present in individuals with early, undetected coronary atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

  • Evaluated 31 asymptomatic subjects with high familial risk for CAD.
  • Assessed BRS using the phenylephrine technique.
  • Quantified coronary atherosclerosis severity using quantitative coronary angiography (QCA), calculating percentage of diameter stenosis (PDS).
  • Ruled out myocardial perfusion defects using single photon emission tomography (SPECT).

Main Results:

  • BRS showed an inverse correlation with the percentage of diameter stenosis (PDS) in proximal coronary artery segments (r = -0.315, P<0.05) and the most severe single coronary artery stenosis (r = -0.374, P<0.05).
  • Subjects with severely blunted BRS (≤ 3 ms mmHg(-1)) exhibited significantly more severe PDS in proximal coronary segments (24 ± 7%) compared to those with higher BRS (> 3 ms mmHg(-1), 13 ± 11%, P<0.05).

Conclusions:

  • Impaired baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) is associated with the severity of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in asymptomatic individuals with familial risk for CAD.
  • Severely blunted BRS in asymptomatic subjects may indicate the presence of advanced coronary atherosclerosis, suggesting BRS as a potential early marker.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Oxygenation-sensitive Cardiac MRI with Vasoactive Breathing Maneuvers for the Non-invasive Assessment of Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction08:35

Oxygenation-sensitive Cardiac MRI with Vasoactive Breathing Maneuvers for the Non-invasive Assessment of Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction

Published on: August 17, 2022

Surgical Placement of Catheters for Long-term Cardiovascular Exercise Testing in Swine12:37

Surgical Placement of Catheters for Long-term Cardiovascular Exercise Testing in Swine

Published on: February 9, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
Neural Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Neural Regulation of Blood Pressure

The neural regulation of blood pressure involves intricate interactions between the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and cardiovascular system, ensuring adequate perfusion of tissues. This regulation primarily occurs through baroreceptor and chemoreceptor reflexes, involving both short-term and long-term mechanisms.
Baroreceptor Reflex
Baroreceptors, located in the carotid sinuses and aortic arch, detect changes in blood pressure. When blood pressure rises, these stretch-sensitive receptors...
Measurement of Blood Pressure01:17

Measurement of Blood Pressure

Assessing blood pressure is a standard procedure executed in virtually all medical environments. The method utilized today was established over a hundred years ago by an innovative Russian doctor, Dr. Nikolai Korotkoff. The soft ticking noise, known as Korotkoff sounds, heard while taking blood pressure readings results from turbulent blood flow within the vessels. The apparatus required for this procedure includes a sphygmomanometer, a blood pressure cuff attached to a gauge, and a stethoscope.
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...