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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology
Published on: February 7, 2015
The effect of patient position and MAST inflation on carotid sinus diameter
Abstract:
A comparison of several maneuvers that are believed to increase vagal tone was made by measuring the carotid sinus with an ultrasound device. For 20 healthy volunteers the mean carotid sinus diameter was 5.7 mm supine, 6.1 mm in the Trendelenberg position, 6.5 mm after supine medical antishock trousers (MAST) inflation, 7.0 mm after MAST inflation in the Trendelenberg position, and 7.3 mm during a headstand. Each mean value was significantly different (P less than .01) from each of the others. These results have important implications for the treatment of dysrhythmias such as paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.
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Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.

