[Hypersensitive carotid sinus reflex in older patients. Incidence and significance for the diagnosis of sick sinus node].

Abstract

Carotid sinus massage was performed in 100 consecutive patients over the age of 50 years: 63 showed a normal reaction and sinus bradycardia occurred in 12, whereas sinus arrest was registered in 22 and total AV block in 3. With atrial pacing only 2 patients with sick sinus syndrome could be detected. Intravenous administration of atropine did not help to identify them. We conclude that in 1/4 to 1/3 of these elderly people the sinus node reacts in a hypersensitive manner to carotid sinus massage, but this does not imply the diagnosis of sick sinus syndrome.

• Authors: M Pfisterer, B Heierli, F Burkart
• Journal: Schweizerische medizinische Wochenschrift (Schweiz Med Wochenschr) Vol. 107 Issue 44 Pg. 1565-7 (Nov 05 1977) ISSN: 0036-7672 [Print] Switzerland
• Vernacular Title: Hypersensitiver Carotissinus-Reflex bei älteren Patienten. Häufigkeit und Bedeutung für die Diagnose kranker Sinusknoten.
• PMID: 918614 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Topics

• Aged
• Aging
• Bradycardia (diagnosis)
• Carotid Sinus
• Female
• Heart Block (diagnosis)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pressoreceptors (physiopathology)
• Sinoatrial Node
• Syndrome
• Tachycardia (diagnosis)