Carotid sinus hypersensitivity

After 3 minutes with the patient in lying position, carotid sinus massage is performed on the right side. At the onset of the massage, an immediate fall in systolic blood pressure of 50 mmHg can be observed. Heart rate and total peripheral resistance decrease shortly after blood pressure starts decreasing, whereas stroke volume increases. Thereafter a carotid sinus massage is performed on the left side, the same reaction can be observed.