Healthremedy123.com – A person’s carotid sinus is responsible for regulating the heart rate and blood pressure. Because of this, stimulation of the carotid sinus causes a reduction in blood pressure and heart rate. In fact, a simple shaving of the neck, turning the head to the side, or looking up can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure and fainting. However, in recent decades, more sophisticated diagnosis and management methods have been developed.
Dilated Area at the Base of the Internal Carotid Artery
The carotid sinus is a dilated area at the base of the internal carotid artery, near the bifurcation of the common and internal arteries. This area contains baroreceptors, which detect changes in arterial blood pressure. In fact, the carotid sinus is considered one of the most important sites of baroreceptors in humans. Its role is vital in controlling blood pressure and heart rate.
A recent study examined the role of carotid sinus denervation in the regulation of arterial blood pressure. They found that after experimental carotid sinus denervation, arterial BP returned to preoperative levels in 10 to 14 days. Moreover, these results were similar in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomies. The procedure is used in the treatment of resistant hypertension. In some cases, physical assault to the carotid sinus can lead to dramatic drops in blood pressure and cerebral ischemia.
Physiologists have also studied the carotid sinus and its reflex function. Some researchers have used roentgen therapy to treat the condition, but their results have been dismal. In fact, many people have expressed skepticism about this approach. Researchers have also been interested in the role of the vagus nerve in slowing down the heart rate. Hering showed that the vagus nerve has a role in this reflex and its impact on the carotid sinus is significant.
Carotid Sinuses Cause Chest Pain
The carotid sinus is an important part of the cardiovascular system and a carotid manipulation can be performed at the bedside. This procedure is relatively simple and carries minimal risk. However, the test has received inadequate attention. However, it is often an important diagnostic procedure in cardiac disease. It can also be used as the only diagnostic tool. So, if your carotid sinus is causing your chest pain, it is important to consider the procedure as an option.
The Carotid Sinus contains baroreceptors that function as sampling areas. The CSN nerve is innervated by the aortic nerve, a branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve. This branch projects to the solitary nucleus of the brainstem, where it controls sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons responsible for autonomic control of the heart. The aortic nerve travels to the NTS through the vagus nerve.
A patient with an atrial rate of 240 or higher is at risk for flutter. Repetitive stimulation of the carotid sinus results in an acceleration of the atrial rate. However, this is not the same as a complete block, which results in an irregular slowing of the heart rate. It is important to be aware of the risk factors when considering carotid sinus stimulation. The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) have established guidelines that can help patients identify a patient’s risk for flutter.
Carotid Sinus Massage may Benefit Patients with Presyncope
A carotid sinus massage may benefit patients with presyncope, unexplained falls, or a history of syncope. The frequency of such episodes among the elderly is escalating, and the risk of hypersensitivity increases with age. According to Davies and Kenny, aging patients have an increased risk of developing cardiologic and neurologic complications of carotid sinus massage.
When the artery is accessed through the carotid sinus, the blood flow through the carotid sinus and ICA are closely associated. While carotid sinus hypersensitivity causes syncope in less than one percent of cases, it is a relatively rare complication. The majority of these are transient and recover without treatment. The most dangerous outcome of carotid sinus massage is a fall in the systolic pressure.
A patient with a severe case of CSS may require surgery to eliminate the carotid sinus. Patients may need to undergo a vascular procedure to remove the affected tissue, but there are also other methods of treatment. The most commonly used method for CSS is surgery. However, this procedure may not be appropriate for all patients. Because of the wide variation in the position of the CSN, a simple high-level transaction of the carotid sinus may not result in complete denervation of the carotid sinus.
