Models of Cheyne-Stokes respiration with cardiovascular pathologies

Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) is a periodic breathing pattern, characterized by short intervals of very little or no breathing (apnea), each followed by an interval of very heavy breathing (hyperpnea). This work presents a new compartmental model of the human cardio-respiratory system, simulating the factors that determine the concentrations of carbon dioxide in the compartments of the cardiovascular system and the lungs. The parameter set on which a Hopf bifurcation gives birth to stable CSR oscillations has been determined. The model predicts that the onset of CSR oscillations may result from an increase in any of: ventilation-perfusion ratio, feedback control gain, transport delay, left heart volume, lung congestion, or cardiovascular efficiency. The model is employed to investigate the relationship between CSR and serious cardiovascular pathologies, such as congestive heart failure and encephalitis, as well as the effects of acclimatization to higher altitudes. In all cases, the model is consistent with medical observations.