ACUTE LEFT VENTRICULAR FAILURE AND CAROTID SINUS STIMULATION

Abstract

In 1947 we observed that massage in the region of the carotid sinus could stop or improve rapidly the crisis of pulmonary edema in its acute form in persons who had arterial hypertension. Since then we have used this procedure as a routine in this type of case; frequently the results have been excellent. Because of the practical value of this procedure, especially in unexpected situations or in emergencies, we have decided to report the following studies. In our review of the pertinent literature we found that Wassermann, in 1939, had made similar observations.¹ <h3>METHODS AND RESULTS</h3> In hypertensive patients with acute pulmonary edema or with severe dyspnea, unilateral massage was applied over the carotid sinus region by moving the thumb firmly under the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. In some of the patients the pressure over the carotid sinus was continued for as long as half an