Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS)

Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) quantifies the responsiveness of the arterial baroreflex, expressed as the change in interbeat interval (IBI) per unit change in blood pressure (BP)[1][8]. The baroreflex is a key homeostatic mechanism, adjusting heart rate via autonomic nervous system activity to rapidly counteract fluctuations in systemic blood pressure[5]. Impaired BRS is a marker of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction and is associated with poor prognosis in conditions such as heart failure, hypertension, and after myocardial infarction[7][8]. BRS can be measured experimentally using pharmacological agents (e.g., phenylephrine), maneuvers (Valsalva), or via spontaneous recordings of heart rate and blood pressure variability[1][7]. Baroreflex activation therapy is being explored as a strategy to treat resistant hypertension and heart failure by modulating baroreceptor neuronal pathways, but BRS itself is a clinical parameter, not a molecular target[5].

Other names

BRSbaroreceptor-heart rate reflex sensitivityarterial baroreflex sensitivity

Not applicable; BRS is a measure, not a molecular target.