Peripheral Chemoreceptor Hypersensitivity

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Abstract
Background Peripheral chemoreceptor hypersensitivity is a feature of abnormal cardiorespiratory reflex control in chronic heart failure (CHF) and may contribute to sympathetic overactivity, attenuated baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), and excessive ventilation during exercise. We studied whether augmented peripheral chemosensitivity carries independent prognostic significance. Methods and Results We assessed peripheral chemosensitivity (ventilatory response to hypoxia using transient inhalation of pure nitrogen) and BRS (phenylephrine and spectral methods) in 80 consecutive CHF patients (age 58±9 years; left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] 24±12%; peak oxygen consumption [peak V̇o2] 18±7 mL−1 · min−1). CHF patients demonstrated augmented peripheral chemosensitivity and decreased BRS (all P3 years in all survivors), 37 patients died. High peripheral chemosensitivity (>0.72 L · min−1 · %Sao2−1) predicted impaired survival (hazard ratio 3....