It is the typical bradycardia that occurs after compression (or excision) of a large A-V fistula. This
is caused by inhibition of the Bainbridge reflex, which operates continuously in patients with large fistulas and is responsible for a compensatory increase in heart rate as a result of the higher right atrial pressure commonly induced by the large shunt. This right atrial stretching will then cause compensatory tachycardia through inhibition of vagal influence and activation of sympathetic acceleration. Note that the Bainbridge
reflex is also responsible for the supraventricular tachyarrhythmias of patients with acute pulmonary embolism.
is caused by inhibition of the Bainbridge reflex, which operates continuously in patients with large fistulas and is responsible for a compensatory increase in heart rate as a result of the higher right atrial pressure commonly induced by the large shunt. This right atrial stretching will then cause compensatory tachycardia through inhibition of vagal influence and activation of sympathetic acceleration. Note that the Bainbridge
reflex is also responsible for the supraventricular tachyarrhythmias of patients with acute pulmonary embolism.