Five-Year Follow-up of Patients After Thromboendarterectomy of the Internal Carotid Artery

Abstract
Background and Purpose In patients after myocardial infarction, baroreceptor sensitivity has been identified as a factor of prognostic relevance. This study was designed to assess the effects of an increased baroreceptor sensitivity in patients after surgery in the area of the internal carotid artery with respect to blood pressure variability, therapeutic interventions, and vascular events during a 5-year follow-up. Methods Receptor sensitivity before and immediately after carotid surgery was measured in 84 patients. Blood pressure variability, carotid artery status, and echocardiographic findings were assessed before and after surgery and at the end of follow-up. Vascular events as well as changes in blood pressure therapy during the follow-up period were evaluated. Results Significant negative correlations between an increase of baroreceptor sensitivity after surgery and the range of systolic (r=−.47; P<.001) and diastolic (r=−.33; P<.01) blood pressure were found for the immediate postoperative period....

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