Donate Help Contact The AHA Sign In Home
American Heart Association
Circulation
Search: search_blue_button Advanced Search
Circulation. 1999;100:262-267

This Article
Right arrow Full Text
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrowRequest Permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Narkiewicz, K.
Right arrow Articles by Somers, V. K.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Narkiewicz, K.
Right arrow Articles by Somers, V. K.
Related Collections
Right arrow Congestive
Right arrow Genetics of cardiovascular disease

(Circulation. 1999;100:262-267.)
© 1999 American Heart Association, Inc.


Clinical Investigation and Reports

Enhanced Sympathetic and Ventilatory Responses to Central Chemoreflex Activation in Heart Failure

Krzysztof Narkiewicz, MD, PhD; Catherine A. Pesek, DO; Philippe J. H. van de Borne, MD, PhD; Masahiko Kato, MD; Virend K. Somers, MD, PhD

From the Cardiovascular Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa.

Correspondence to Virend Somers, MD, PhD, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Dr, Iowa City, IA 52242. E-mail virend-somers{at}uiowa.edu

Background—Sympathetic activation and respiratory abnormalities may each be implicated in the pathophysiology of congestive heart failure (CHF). Chemoreflexes are an important mechanism regulating both sympathetic drive and breathing. We therefore tested the hypothesis that chemoreflex function is altered in CHF.

Methods and Results—We compared ventilatory, sympathetic, heart rate, and blood pressure responses to hypoxia, hypercapnia, and the cold pressor test in 9 patients with CHF and 9 control subjects matched for age and body mass index. Baseline muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) was higher in the patients with CHF compared with control subjects (47±8 versus 23±3 bursts per minute, P<0.01). During hypercapnia, patients with CHF had greater increases in minute ventilation (6.7±1.4 versus 2.7±0.9 L/min, P=0.03) and heart rate (7.0±2.1 versus 0.6±1.2 bpm, P=0.02). Despite higher ventilation, which inhibits sympathetic activity, the MSNA increase in patients with CHF was also greater than that in control subjects (58±12% versus 21±9%, P=0.03). Ventilatory, autonomic, and blood pressure responses to hypoxia and the cold pressor test in CHF patients were not different from those in control subjects.

Conclusions—Chronic heart failure is characterized by a selective potentiation of ventilatory and sympathetic responses to central chemoreceptor activation by hypercapnia.


Key Words: hypercapnia • hypoxia • reflex • nervous system • heart failure




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
A. Giannoni, M. Emdin, F. Bramanti, G. Iudice, D. P. Francis, A. Barsotti, M. Piepoli, and C. Passino
Combined increased chemosensitivity to hypoxia and hypercapnia as a prognosticator in heart failure.
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., May 26, 2009; 53(21): 1975 - 1980.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol.Home page
C. D. Steinback, D. Salzer, P. J. Medeiros, J. Kowalchuk, and J. K. Shoemaker
Hypercapnic vs. hypoxic control of cardiovascular, cardiovagal, and sympathetic function
Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol, February 1, 2009; 296(2): R402 - R410.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
R. Tamisier, B. E. Hunt, G. S. Gilmartin, M. Curley, A. Anand, and J. W. Weiss
Hemodynamics and muscle sympathetic nerve activity after 8 h of sustained hypoxia in healthy humans
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, November 1, 2007; 293(5): H3027 - H3035.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Physiol.Home page
G. H. Simmons, J. M. Manson, and J. R. Halliwill
Mild central chemoreflex activation does not alter arterial baroreflex function in healthy humans
J. Physiol., September 15, 2007; 583(3): 1155 - 1163.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
M. Guazzi, R. Raimondo, M. Vicenzi, R. Arena, C. Proserpio, S. Sarzi Braga, and R. Pedretti
Exercise oscillatory ventilation may predict sudden cardiac death in heart failure patients.
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., July 24, 2007; 50(4): 299 - 308.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
A. M. D. Watson, S. G. Hood, R. Ramchandra, R. M. McAllen, and C. N. May
Increased cardiac sympathetic nerve activity in heart failure is not due to desensitization of the arterial baroreflex
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, July 1, 2007; 293(1): H798 - H804.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
A. Di Vanna, A. M. F. W. Braga, M. C. Laterza, L. M. Ueno, M. U. P. B. Rondon, A. C. P. Barretto, H. R. Middlekauff, and C. E. Negrao
Blunted muscle vasodilatation during chemoreceptor stimulation in patients with heart failure
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, July 1, 2007; 293(1): H846 - H852.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
H. D. Schultz, Y. L. Li, and Y. Ding
Arterial Chemoreceptors and Sympathetic Nerve Activity: Implications for Hypertension and Heart Failure
Hypertension, July 1, 2007; 50(1): 6 - 13.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
D. Mancini and T. H. LeJemtel
Is Ventilatory Classification Preferable to Peak Oxygen Consumption for Risk Stratification in Heart Failure?
Circulation, May 8, 2007; 115(18): 2376 - 2378.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
ChestHome page
M. Gujic, A. Houssiere, O. Xhaet, J.-F. Argacha, N. Denewet, A. Noseda, P. Jespers, C. Melot, R. Naeije, and P. van de Borne
Does Endothelin Play a Role in Chemoreception During Acute Hypoxia in Normal Men?
Chest, May 1, 2007; 131(5): 1467 - 1472.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
A. Ciarka, N. Cuylits, J.-L. Vachiery, M. Lamotte, J.-P. Degaute, R. Naeije, and P. van de Borne
Increased Peripheral Chemoreceptors Sensitivity and Exercise Ventilation in Heart Transplant Recipients
Circulation, January 17, 2006; 113(2): 252 - 257.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur Respir JHome page
L. Bernardi, A. Schneider, L. Pomidori, E. Paolucci, and A. Cogo
Hypoxic ventilatory response in successful extreme altitude climbers.
Eur. Respir. J., January 1, 2006; 27(1): 165 - 171.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
K. Narkiewicz, P. van de Borne, N. Montano, D. Hering, T. Kara, and V. K. Somers
Sympathetic Neural Outflow and Chemoreflex Sensitivity Are Related to Spontaneous Breathing Rate in Normal Men
Hypertension, January 1, 2006; 47(1): 51 - 55.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
J. Spaak, Z. J. Egri, T. Kubo, E. Yu, S.-I. Ando, Y. Kaneko, K. Usui, T. D. Bradley, and J. S. Floras
Muscle Sympathetic Nerve Activity During Wakefulness in Heart Failure Patients With and Without Sleep Apnea
Hypertension, December 1, 2005; 46(6): 1327 - 1332.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
R. S. T. Leung, M. E. Bowman, T. M. Diep, G. Lorenzi-Filho, J. S. Floras, and T. D. Bradley
Influence of Cheyne-Stokes respiration on ventricular response to atrial fibrillation in heart failure
J Appl Physiol, November 1, 2005; 99(5): 1689 - 1696.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol.Home page
M. K. Reddy, K. P. Patel, and H. D. Schultz
Differential role of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus in modulating the sympathoexcitatory component of peripheral and central chemoreflexes
Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol, September 1, 2005; 289(3): R789 - R797.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur J Heart FailHome page
K. K.A. Witte, S. Thackray, N. P. Nikitin, J. G.F. Cleland, and A. L. Clark
The effects of long-term {beta}-blockade on the ventilatory responses to exercise in chronic heart failure
Eur J Heart Fail, June 1, 2005; 7(4): 612 - 617.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
A. Ciarka, B. Najem, N. Cuylits, M. Leeman, O. Xhaet, K. Narkiewicz, M. Antoine, J.-P. Degaute, and P. van de Borne
Effects of Peripheral Chemoreceptors Deactivation on Sympathetic Activity in Heart Transplant Recipients
Hypertension, May 1, 2005; 45(5): 894 - 900.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
ChestHome page
M. Arzt, M. Schulz, R. Wensel, S. Montalvan, F. C. Blumberg, G. A. J. Riegger, and M. Pfeifer
Nocturnal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Improves Ventilatory Efficiency During Exercise in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure
Chest, March 1, 2005; 127(3): 794 - 802.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HeartHome page
K K A Witte and A L Clark
Cycle exercise causes a lower ventilatory response to exercise in chronic heart failure
Heart, February 1, 2005; 91(2): 225 - 226.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur J Heart FailHome page
K. K.A. Witte and A. L. Clark
The effect of aspirin on the ventilatory response to exercise in chronic heart failure
Eur J Heart Fail, October 1, 2004; 6(6): 745 - 748.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
Y. Oda, H. Asanoi, H. Ueno, K. Yamada, S. Joho, T. Kameyama, T. Hirai, T. Nozawa, S. Takashima, and H. Inoue
Pulse-synchronous sympathetic burst power as a new index of sympathoexcitation in patients with heart failure
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, October 1, 2004; 287(4): H1821 - H1827.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
R. Wolk, B. D. Johnson, and V. K. Somers
Leptin and the ventilatory response to exercise in heart failure
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., November 5, 2003; 42(9): 1644 - 1649.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HeartHome page
K K A Witte, S D R Thackray, N P Nikitin, J G F Cleland, and A L Clark
The effects of {alpha} and {beta} blockade on ventilatory responses to exercise in chronic heart failure
Heart, October 1, 2003; 89(10): 1169 - 1173.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
S. Velez-Roa, B. Kojonazarov, A. Ciarka, P. Godart, R. Naeije, V. K. Somers, and P. van de Borne
Dobutamine potentiates arterial chemoreflex sensitivity in healthy normal humans
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, August 7, 2003; 285(3): H1356 - H1361.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
K. Ide, M. Eliasziw, and M. J. Poulin
Relationship between middle cerebral artery blood velocity and end-tidal PCO2 in the hypocapnic-hypercapnic range in humans
J Appl Physiol, July 1, 2003; 95(1): 129 - 137.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HeartHome page
K K A Witte, S D R Thackray, N P Nikitin, J G F Cleland, and A L Clark
Pattern of ventilation during exercise in chronic heart failure
Heart, June 1, 2003; 89(6): 610 - 614.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Cardiovasc ResHome page
T. Reffelmann and R. A. Kloner
Cellular cardiomyoplasty--cardiomyocytes, skeletal myoblasts, or stem cells for regenerating myocardium and treatment of heart failure?
Cardiovasc Res, May 1, 2003; 58(2): 358 - 368.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
M. Arzt, M. Harth, A. Luchner, F. Muders, S. R. Holmer, F. C. Blumberg, G. A.J. Riegger, and M. Pfeifer
Enhanced Ventilatory Response to Exercise in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure and Central Sleep Apnea
Circulation, April 22, 2003; 107(15): 1998 - 2003.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
L. A. Henderson, M. A. Woo, P. M. Macey, K. E. Macey, R. C. Frysinger, J. R. Alger, F. Yan-Go, and R. M. Harper
Neural responses during Valsalva maneuvers in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
J Appl Physiol, March 1, 2003; 94(3): 1063 - 1074.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Physiol.Home page
J. Hansen and M. Sander
Sympathetic neural overactivity in healthy humans after prolonged exposure to hypobaric hypoxia
J. Physiol., February 1, 2003; 546(3): 921 - 929.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Ann. Thorac. Surg.Home page
B. Bittira, J.-Q. Kuang, A. Al-Khaldi, D. Shum-Tim, and R. C.-J. Chiu
In vitro preprogramming of marrow stromal cells for myocardial regeneration
Ann. Thorac. Surg., October 1, 2002; 74(4): 1154 - 1160.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur Heart JHome page
D.M. Kaye
Alterations in oxygen consumption and sympathetic nervous activity in heart failure: independent or associated mechanisms?
Eur. Heart J., May 2, 2002; 23(10): 764 - 766.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
ChestHome page
U. Corra, A. Giordano, E. Bosimini, A. Mezzani, M. Piepoli, A. J. S. Coats, and P. Giannuzzi
Oscillatory Ventilation During Exercise in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure* : Clinical Correlates and Prognostic Implications
Chest, May 1, 2002; 121(5): 1572 - 1580.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
Y. Goso, H. Asanoi, H. Ishise, T. Kameyama, T. Hirai, T. Nozawa, S. Takashima, K. Umeno, and H. Inoue
Respiratory Modulation of Muscle Sympathetic Nerve Activity in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure
Circulation, July 24, 2001; 104(4): 418 - 423.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
P. Ponikowski, D. P. Francis, M. F. Piepoli, L. C. Davies, T. P. Chua, C. H. Davos, V. Florea, W. Banasiak, P. A. Poole-Wilson, A. J. S. Coats, et al.
Enhanced Ventilatory Response to Exercise in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure and Preserved Exercise Tolerance : Marker of Abnormal Cardiorespiratory Reflex Control and Predictor of Poor Prognosis
Circulation, February 20, 2001; 103(7): 967 - 972.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
I. Wilcox, S. G. McNamara, K. Narkiewicz, C. A. Pesek, P. J.H. van de Borne, M. Kato, and V. K. Somers
Abnormal Breathing During Sleep and Increased Central Chemoreflex Sensitivity in Congestive Heart Failure Response
Circulation, September 12, 2000; 102 (11): e91 - e91.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med.Home page
M. GORINI, A. CORRADO, S. AITO, R. GINANNI, G. VILLELLA, G. LUCCHESI, and E. DE PAOLA
Ventilatory and Respiratory Muscle Responses to Hypercapnia in Patients with Paraplegia
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med., July 1, 2000; 162(1): 203 - 208.
[Abstract] [Full Text]


Home page
NEJMHome page
I. Wilcox, S. G. McNamara, C. E. Sullivan, D. D. Sin, G. C. Man, R. L. Jones, and S. Javaheri
Central Sleep Apnea and Heart Failure
N. Engl. J. Med., January 27, 2000; 342(4): 293 - 294.
[Full Text]