 For the study of the baroreflexes, patients will be subjected to continuous monitoring of ECG, beat-to-beat blood pressure measured at the finger by Portapress system, respiratory rate and ventilation by pneumotachograph. The tests will be performed in the supine position and then repeated in a sitting position. Data from such monitoring will be used for analysis of the harmonic components of the cardiac rate RR interval and the variability of blood pressure and respiratory rate, through the method of auto regressive analysis. 