The role of the carotid baroreflex in blood pressure regulation has been known for a long time but its effects were thought to be short lived. Recent data indicate that stimulation of carotid baroreceptors may lower blood pressure not only for short periods of time, but also in the long run.
Hypertension and Cardiovascular Research Clinic, Veterans Affairs and Georgetown University Medical Centers, VAMC 151-E, NW, Washington, DC 20422, USA.