Journal of Cardiac Failure
Volume 13, Issue 5 , Pages 395-400, June 2007

Autonomic Abnormalities in Congestive Heart Failure Patients With Sleep-Disordered Breathing

  • Austin Chin Chwan Ng, MBBS, Bsc(Med)
    • ,
  • Saul Benedict Freedman, MBBS, PhD, FACC
    • ,
  • Andrew Paul Sindone, B.Med(Hons), MD, FRACP

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationReprint requests: Prof. Andrew Paul Sindone, B.Med(Hons), MD, FRACP, Cardiologist, Director of Heart Failure Clinic, Concord Hospital, Concord RG Hospital, Hospital Road, Concord, NSW 2139, Australia.

From the Concord RG Hospital and University of Sydney, Concord, NSW, Australia

Received 13 November 2006; received in revised form 6 February 2007; accepted 12 February 2007.

Concord, New South Wales, Australia

Abstract 

Background

The increasing prevalence of chronic heart failure is affecting patients' longevity, quality of life, and health resources, despite advances in management. Recognizing and treating comorbid illnesses is critical. Risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes are treated, but less importance is placed on the role of sleep apnea in heart failure.

Methods and Results

There is a discrepancy between the growing evidence on the potential adverse influence of sleep apnea on heart failure (and vice versa) and incorporating its treatment as part of the management strategy for chronic heart failure. Apneic episodes during sleep can lead to profound disturbances to the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.

Conclusions

This review explores the impact of sleep disordered breathing in patients with chronic heart failure, focusing on the autonomic nervous system.

Key Words: Heart failure, sleep disordered breathing, nervous system, autonomic

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PII: S1071-9164(07)00031-0

doi:10.1016/j.cardfail.2007.02.003

Journal of Cardiac Failure
Volume 13, Issue 5 , Pages 395-400, June 2007

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