Mayer wave activity in vasodepressor carotid sinus hypersensitivity.

Aims: Mayer waves are low frequency blood pressure waves, whose modulation involves central/peripheral baroreflex pathways. Although vasodepressor carotid sinus hypersensitivity (VDCSH) is a common hypotensive disorder in ageing, the mechanism of VDCSH is unknown. We hypothesize that VDCSH is due to impaired baroreflex function and that Mayer wave amplitude and oscillation frequency are therefore altered.