Long-term effect of carotid endarterectomy on carotid sinus baroreceptor function and blood pressure control.

In order to assess whether carotid endarterectomy had any long-term hypotensive effect, by altering the function of the carotid sinus baroreceptors, blood pressure and carotid sinus baroreceptor function were recorded in 25 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. No overall change in blood pressure was recorded 6 months after surgery. Sinus function was shown to decrease in 2 (8 per cent), to remain unchanged in 15 (60 per cent) and to increase in 8 (32 per cent) patients 6 months postoperatively. There was no relationship between changes in sinus function and changes in blood pressure over the 6 months period. Thus, carotid endarterectomy has no long-term hypotensive effect.