Features of baroreceptor failure
What are the clinical features of baroreceptor failure?
Baroreflex failure is a heterogeneous entity that can result from abnormalities in vascular baroreceptors, cranial nerve IX or X abnormalities, or brain stem abnormalities that involve the baroreflex control centers such as NTS.
As a result of impairment in the baroreflex, these patients have volatile blood pressures and heart rates.
The clinical presentation can resemble pheochromocytoma.
The ability of clonidine to inhibit neurons of RVLM and therefore to profoundly reduce the blood pressure differentiates these patients from patients with pheochromocytoma.
