Figure 9.

Simulation of Valsalva maneuver (increase in intrathoracic pressure from zero to +10 mmHg between arrows) without (left panel) and with (right panel) baroreceptor reflex activated. ECG (blue), arterial pressure (red), pulmonary arterial pressure (orange) and central venous pressure (blue), pressure increase when increasing intrathoracic pressure (yellow arrow), decrease when releasing pressure (red arrow). The baroreceptor reflex increase heart rate, left ventricular contractility and systemic arterial resistance. Blood pressure is better maintained and a pressure overshoot is seen after release of the pressure.