Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology in Down Syndrome

Burak T. Cilhoroz, Candace N. Receno, Kevin S. Heffernan, Lara R. Deruisseau

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Down Syndrome (Ds) is the most common chromosomal cause of intellectual disability that results from triplication of chromosome 21 genes. Individuals with Ds demonstrate cognitive deficits in addition to comorbidities including cardiac defects, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), low blood pressure (BP), and differences in autonomic regulation. Many individuals with Ds are born with heart malformations and some can be surgically corrected. Lower BP at rest and in response to exercise and other stressors are a prevalent feature in Ds. These reduced cardiovascular responses may be due to underlying autonomic dysfunction and have been implicated in lower exercise/work capacity in Ds, which is an important correlate of morbidity, mortality and quality of life. Exercise therapy can be beneficial to normalize autonomic function and may help prevent the development of co-morbidities in Ds.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalPhysiological Research
Volume71
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2022

Keywords

  • Autonomic regulation
  • Blood pressure
  • Exercise therapy
  • Heart rate
  • Intellectual disability
  • Moyamoya
  • Ts65dn

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology in Down Syndrome'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this