Models of Cheyne-Stokes respiration with cardiovascular pathologies

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Mathematical Modeling
• Cardio-respiratory Dynamics

Background:

• Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) is a periodic breathing disorder.
• CSR involves cycles of apnea and hyperpnea.
• Understanding CSR's underlying mechanisms is crucial for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel compartmental model of the human cardio-respiratory system.
• To simulate factors influencing carbon dioxide concentrations in the body.
• To identify conditions triggering stable CSR oscillations.

Main Methods:

• A new compartmental model of the human cardio-respiratory system was created.
• The model simulates carbon dioxide dynamics within the cardiovascular system and lungs.
• Hopf bifurcation analysis was used to determine parameters for CSR onset.

Main Results:

• The study determined the parameter set leading to stable CSR oscillations via Hopf bifurcation.
• Model predictions indicate increased ventilation-perfusion ratio, feedback gain, transport delay, left heart volume, lung congestion, or cardiovascular efficiency can initiate CSR.
• The model successfully replicated observed relationships between CSR and conditions like congestive heart failure, encephalitis, and high-altitude acclimatization.

Conclusions:

• The developed compartmental model provides a robust framework for understanding CSR.
• The model elucidates the complex interplay of physiological factors contributing to CSR.
• Findings are consistent with clinical observations in various pathologies and physiological states.