Nearly 80% of heart failure patients suffer from sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), yet it remains largely underdiagnosed, complicating effective treatment, according to a recent study review.
Sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea, significantly exacerbates heart failure (HF) through adverse cardiovascular mechanisms, noted the review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Researchers analyzed existing literature to clarify the relationship between SDB and HF, focusing on pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic challenges, and the effectiveness of treatment modalities like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV).
The prevalence of SDB in HF patients is notably high, affecting 50-80% of the population, with specific rates of 47-76% in those with reduced ejection fraction and 55% in those with preserved ejection fraction. Despite its high prevalence, SDB remains underdiagnosed, with an estimated one billion people worldwide affected by obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. SDB exacerbates HF through mechanisms such as intermittent hypoxia, sympathetic nervous system activation, and increased intrathoracic pressure fluctuations.
Management strategies, including CPAP and ASV, have shown efficacy in improving cardiac function and mitigating HF symptoms. However, researchers noted that enhanced screening and broader utilization of therapeutic interventions are essential for improvement. Future research should focus on refining diagnostic and treatment protocols to optimize care for these patients.
The authors declared no conflicts of interest.