Impaired baroreflex function is related to reduced carotid artery elasticity in patients with tetralogy of Fallot.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a common late complication in patients with tetralogy of Fallot (ToF). Reduced baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) is an independent predictor of SCD and BRS reduction was reported in ToF. Relationship between BRS and carotid artery distensibility (DC) in healthy subjects was reported by us earlier. We also found that DC was reduced in ToF patients. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that reduced BRS is related to increased carotid artery stiffness.