Bezold-Jarisch reflex

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Synonyms and related keywords: Bezold's reflex, Bezold-Jarisch response, Jarisch-Bezold reflex

Overview
A cardiovascular depressor reflex involving a marked increase in vagal (parasympathetic) efferent discharge to the heart, elicited by stimulation of chemoreceptors, primarily in the left ventricle. This causes a slowing of the heart beat (bradycardia) and dilatation of the peripheral blood vessels with resulting lowering of the blood pressure.

The concept was originated by Bezold in 1867, later revised by Jarisch in 1937.



Additional Reading

 * Hurst's the Heart, Fuster V, 12th ed. 2008, ISBN 978-0-07-149928-6
 * Willerson JT, Cardiovascular Medicine, 3rd ed., 2007, ISBN 978-1-84628-188-4