Dynamic modulation of baroreflex sensitivity in health and disease.

Assessment of arterial baroreflex function in humans through laboratory tests has provided a great deal of information of pathophysiological and clinical relevance. Indeed, the sensitivity of the baroreceptor-heart rate reflex quantified through these laboratory methods was shown to predict the risk of cardiovascular events and death from myocardial infarction, heart failure, and in diabetic patients. This traditional approach, however, does not provide information on daily life baroreflex cardiovascular control. Modern techniques, based on computer analysis of spontaneous blood pressure and heart rate fluctuations, are now available and allow baroreflex sensitivity to be assessed under real-life conditions with no need for external stimulation. In particular, these methods offer the possibility of investigating the dynamic modulation of baroreflex sensitivity occurring either on a minute-to-minute basis or over 24 hours.