What is ltbr?

LtbR stands for "long-term baroreflex resetting," which refers to the process by which the body adapts to changes in blood pressure over time. Baroreceptors are specialized cells located in the walls of blood vessels that detect changes in pressure. When blood pressure rises, baroreceptors signal the brainstem to initiate a series of responses that lower blood pressure, such as decreasing heart rate and dilating blood vessels. The opposite occurs when blood pressure drops.

LtbR refers to the gradual resetting of these baroreceptors over an extended period, such as several weeks or months. This allows the body to adjust to chronic changes in blood pressure, such as those caused by obesity, hypertension, or heart failure.

Clinically, LtbR can be measured by changes in the sensitivity of baroreceptors to changes in blood pressure. It has been found that individuals with hypertension or heart failure have impaired LtbR, suggesting that they have difficulty adapting to changes in blood pressure.

Research into LtbR is ongoing, with the hope that a better understanding of this process could lead to more effective treatments for hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.