What is observed when the carotid artery is pressed?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Hypertension
• D. No change

Answer: (B)

Activating the carotid sinus baroreceptors triggers a reflex that lowers heart rate. When the carotid sinus is pressed, these stretch sensors send signals to the brainstem, which increases parasympathetic (vagal) outflow to the heart and dampens sympathetic activity. The net effect is bradycardia, often with a drop in blood pressure. Tachycardia or hypertension would reflect the opposite reflex, not the response to carotid pulse, and a lack of change would imply the reflex wasn’t engaged.