Untersuchungen zum karotisbaroreflex bei schlafapnoepatienten

15 patients (11 male, 9 female) with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) and 10 healthy age- and weight-matched control subjects volunteered to participate in the study to test circadian variations of cardiac response to activation of carotid baroreceptors. Activation of carotid baroreceptors was evoked by applying a negative pressure to both left and right carotid sinus regions, using two small separate neck suction capsules. All experiments were performed under standard conditions every two hours. The cardiac response to carotid baroreceptors activation was significantly reduced in OSAS Patients, to a greater degree in the group of hypertensive patients. A characteristic circadian rhythm of baroreceptor reactivity persisted in all OSAS patients. Thus, OSAS patients constitute a high-risk group for the development of cardiovascular diseases and pathological course of blood pressure during daytime.