Carotid sinus massage is a medical procedure used to diagnose and sometimes treat certain types of abnormal heart rhythms.
It involves applying gentle pressure to the carotid sinus, on the side of the neck.
It is a physical maneuver used to diagnose and sometimes treat certain heart rhythm disturbances, particularly paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT).
The carotid sinus is a small area located within the carotid artery in the neck where baroreceptors are located.
Stimulation of the carotid sinus can slow down the heart rate and blood pressure, and this reflex is utilized during the massage.
This manipulation can lead to a transient slowing of the heart rate, which can help in the diagnosis of certain heart rhythm problems.