Skip to main content

Heberto Suarez Roca

Research Scientist
Anesthesiology
6124 Medical Science Research Bldg. III, 3 Genome Court, Durham, NC 27705

Overview


I am interested in understanding the complex interplay between the autonomic nervous system, pain mechanisms, and psychological factors, especially stress and depression. My research currently explores arterial baroreflexes' role in postoperative pain and inflammation. 

  • M.D., University of Zulia, Maracaibo 2001
  • Ph.D., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 1991
  • M.B.B.S., University of Zulia, Maracaibo 1983

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Recent Publications


Noninvasive assessment of temporal dynamics in sympathetic and parasympathetic baroreflex responses.

Journal Article Physiol Meas · March 27, 2025 Objective.The baroreflex maintains cardiovascular stability by modulating heart rate, myocardial contraction, and vascular tone. However, noninvasive assessment of its sympathetic vascular and myocardial branches often overlooks their time-dependent interp ... Full text Link to item Cite

Higher Cardiovagal Baroreflex Sensitivity Predicts Increased Pain Outcomes After Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Conference The journal of pain · January 2024 Excessive postoperative pain can lead to extended hospitalization and increased expenses, but factors that predict its severity are still unclear. Baroreceptor function could influence postoperative pain by modulating nociceptive processing and vagal-media ... Full text Cite
View All Publications

Recent Grants


Role of Preoperative Baroreflex Sensitivity on Persistent Postoperative Pain and Opioid Consumption after Thoracic Surgery

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2019 - 2022

View All Grants