2006 Heart-Brain summit proceedings
Hypertension in sleep apnea:
The role of the sympathetic pathway
ARTICLE INTRODUCTION
Chronic intermittent hypoxia, a phenomenon that occurs during episodes of sleep apnea, has been shown to produce hypertension independent of obesity, diabetes, and other potentially confounding factors in patients with sleep apnea.
This article discusses the research of our laboratory and collaborating researchers in elucidating the effects of chronic intermittent hypoxia and the mechanisms responsible for the hypertension induced by a reduction in partial pressure of oxygen (PO2). Using Sprague-Dawley rats as a model, we have focused on the chemoreflex pathway, which arises from the carotid body and is the primary sensor of reduced arterial oxygen levels.
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