title: Carotid sinus syndrome.
abstract: Carotid sinus hypersensitivity was first reported more than 200 years ago. Nevertheless, a complete understanding of this relatively common clinical finding in older patients has proven elusive. There is evidence to support an association between symptoms, particularly syncope, and a hypersensitive response to carotid sinus massage. However, the clinical implication of a high prevalence in asymptomatic healthy older persons is not known. A central degenerative process likely underlies the pathophysiology, but this is as yet unproven. Although selected patients have had symptom improvement with treatment, particularly permanent pacing, there is a dearth of randomized controlled trial data to guide management.
authors.affiliation: Arrhythmia Service, Section of Cardiology, St. Boniface Hospital, The University of Manitoba, Y3006, 401 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2H 2A6, Canada. cmseifer@sbgh.mb.ca
authors.forename: Colette
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Seifer
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls; D002346:Carotid Sinus / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008405:Massage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D010812:Physical Stimulation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D011379:Prognosis; D012021:Reflex, Abnormal / Q000502:physiology; D013575:Syncope / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D019462:Syncope, Vasovagal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology