Modified criteria for carotid sinus hypersensitivity are associated with increased mortality in a population-based study

Carotid sinus hypersensitivity (CSH) is arbitrarily defined as ≥3 s asystole or vasodepression of ≥50 mmHg in response to carotid sinus massage (CSM). Using this definition, 39% of older people meet the criteria for CSH. It has been suggested that current criteria are too sensitive. Krediet et al. [The history of diagnosing carotid sinus hypersensitivity: why are the current criteria too sensitive? Europace 2011;13:14-22] and Kerr et al. [Carotid sinus hypersensitivity in asymptomatic older persons: implications for diagnosis of syncope and falls. Arch Intern Med 2006;166:515-20] have proposed modified criteria. This population-based study aimed to compare the prevalence of CSH defined according to standard, Krediet and Kerr criteria, and to establish if CSH defined according these criteria is associated with all-cause mortality.