The Relation Between Central Sleep Apnea and Heart Failure
Central sleep apnea refers to a condition characterized as a breathing disorder which occurs during sleep as a result of inappropriate brain signaling to the breathing muscles. It is not as common as obstructive sleep apnea. The obstructive sleep apnea occurs when air is unable to flow through one's nostrils or mouth, but the individual still puts his effort to continue breathing.
Contemporary researchers have identified a strong correlation between central sleep apnea and heart failure. As expounded by Mayo Clinic in their collaborative study, central sleep apnea may cause heart failure and inevitably increases the risk of having heart failure.
Earlier View Vs. Current View
Previously, scientists and researchers considered central sleep apnea as a heart failure symptom and this intrinsically influenced the development of medication. Now scientists emphasize that central sleep apnea may greatly contribute to heart failure, instead of being a sign that heart failure has already occurred. You need to go to the doctor.
Damage in the brain structure may lead to developing central sleep apnea in an individual. Central sleep apnea typically occurs when the brain periodically fails to send messages to the breathing muscles and to regulate the normal breathing reflex.
Evidential Support
In a study in the Journal of American Heart Association, researchers assessed the sleeping patterns of 47 individuals having weakened pumping condition of the heart, but not having heart failure. In their findings, over 50% of the participants were suffering from central sleep apnea, while 17 individuals had it in a severe form.
In their study, they reveal that heart irregularities and central sleep apnea leads to heart failure. Many studies confirmed that central apnea as an apparent symptom of heart failure, and central sleep apnea increases the risk for developing abnormal and dangerous heart rhythms. Hence central sleep apnea can be defined as a potential risk factor for individuals with impaired heart function.
Controversy
Although continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is used for people diagnosed with central sleep apnea and heart failure, many studies raise questions against its validity. The later group does not underestimate the benefits of CPAP for relieving central sleep apnea by improving the supply of nocturnal oxygenation, but often it does help treat underlying causes.
In addition, the studies expounded that the use of CPAP method in treating central sleep apnea linked with heart failure improve physiologic and related health complications, however, CPAP does not influence the hospitalization rate, heart transplantation or rate of mortality.
