Research Tracker›Biomarker Atlas›ME/CFS›Baroreflex sensitivity

Baroreflex sensitivity in ME/CFS

Baroreflex sensitivity, also described as Cardiovascular reflex, belongs to the autonomic group of ME/CFS (ME/CFS, CFS) markers and is reported to be decreased relative to healthy controls. Symptom domains tied to this marker in the source include orthostatic symptoms. The evidence summarised here comes from Nelson et al. 2019 and reflects averages across cohorts rather than any single patient's result.

↓ ReducedAutonomic

Summary

Direction in ME/CFS↓ Reduced — lower than in the comparison group
CategoryAutonomic
Also described asCardiovascular reflex
Compared againstHC (healthy controls)
Associated symptomsOrthostatic symptoms
Test typeClinical or physiological test
SourceNelson et al. 2019 — doi:10.1186/s12967-019-02100-4
Condition atlasME/CFS Biomarker Atlas

Related Autonomic markers in ME/CFS

Full list: ME/CFS Biomarker Atlas.

Frequently asked questions

Is Baroreflex sensitivity high or low in ME/CFS?

Reduced. Studies summarised in the OSMF atlas report lower Baroreflex sensitivity in ME/CFS than in healthy controls. Source: Nelson et al. 2019.

What symptoms is Baroreflex sensitivity associated with in ME/CFS?

The cited literature associates this marker with Orthostatic symptoms. These are population-level associations and do not mean the marker causes the symptoms.

Which test measures Baroreflex sensitivity?

It is measured as a clinical or physiological test. Many of the cited studies used research-grade assays, so clinical availability may vary.

Is one abnormal Baroreflex sensitivity result diagnostic of ME/CFS?

No. No single biomarker is diagnostic of ME/CFS. Baroreflex sensitivity findings come from group comparisons, overlap considerably between patients and controls, and vary with study design, timing and comparison group. A result should be interpreted by a clinician alongside symptoms, history and other tests.

Cite this page

Open Source Medicine Foundation. (2026). Baroreflex sensitivity in ME/CFS: direction, evidence and what it means. OSMF Research Tracker. Retrieved October 7, 2026, from https://research.opensourcemed.info/biomarkers/me-cfs/baroreflex-sensitivity.html
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Last reviewed: 2026-06-29 · Page generated from me-cfs.json · Browse: ME/CFS atlas · Biomarker Index · All marker pages

Disclaimer: This page is an educational synthesis of published, peer-reviewed research and is not medical advice. Biomarker findings vary across studies with case definitions, comparison groups, timing and assay methods. Direction of change reflects the predominant finding in the cited source and does not establish a diagnostic threshold. Discuss any test result with a qualified clinician.