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Carotid Baroreceptor Activation for the Treatment of Resistant Hypertension and Heart Failure

  • SECONDARY HYPERTENSION: ADRENAL AND NERVOUS SYSTEM MECHANISMS (S OPARIL AND KH BERECEK, SECTION EDITORS)
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Abstract

Carotid baroreceptors play an important role in blood pressure regulation through modification of sympathetic nervous activity. Conditions associated with increased sympathetic activity, such as resistant hypertension and heart failure, represent potential targets for carotid baroreceptor activation. Recent technological advances made available a small device, like a pacemaker, that constantly activates carotid baroreceptors. Primary experimental and clinical data obtained from use of this device point toward significant blood pressure reduction in patients with resistant hypertension, as well as beneficial effects on cardiac structure and function. A large feasibility trial revealed promising results; however, the first randomized study in patients with resistant hypertension raised several concerns regarding the efficacy and safety of baroreceptor activation with the device. This review critically evaluates available data obtained with carotid baroreceptor activation, emphasizing data acquired during the past year, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages as well as the future prospects of this intervention.

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Disclosure

Dr. Papademetriou was an investigator at the US Feasibility trial and the Rheos Pivotal Trial.

Drs. Doumas, Faselis, and Tsioufis reported no potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Veteran Affairs and George Washington University Medical Centers, 50 Irving Street NW, Washington, DC, 20422, USA

    Michael Doumas & Charles Faselis

  2. Veteran Affairs Georgetown University Medical Centers, Washington, DC, USA

    Costas Tsioufis & Vasilios Papademetriou

Authors
  1. Michael Doumas
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  2. Charles Faselis
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  3. Costas Tsioufis
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  4. Vasilios Papademetriou
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Correspondence to Michael Doumas.

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Doumas, M., Faselis, C., Tsioufis, C. et al. Carotid Baroreceptor Activation for the Treatment of Resistant Hypertension and Heart Failure. Curr Hypertens Rep 14, 238–246 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11906-012-0258-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11906-012-0258-7

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