Cardiac chronotropic and vascular resistance arms of baroreflex in obesity

Considering the potential involvement of the impaired baroreflex function in the pathogenesis of blood pressure dysregulation, including hypertension, this study was aimed to investigate potential changes in two arms of baroreflex control in young normotensive obese patients. Decreases in both arms reflecting impairment of baroreflex function and decreased response of baroreflex related measures to passive orthostasis were observed. We conclude that for better characterization of baroreflex function, not only heart rate as a target of its control should be considered. We suggest that baroreflex impairment affecting both heart rate and vasomotion regulation could be one of the factors contributing to the future development of hypertension in this high-risk associated group.