Sleep-disordered breathing and cardiovascular disease: who and why to test and how to intervene?
Jun 4, 2024
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Dr. Ali Vazir from The Royal Brompton Hospital discusses sleep-disordered breathing and its connection to cardiovascular disease. Key topics include screening cardiovascular patients, investigation methods, and addressing gaps in research for treating this condition. The podcast highlights the importance of awareness and intervention for better patient outcomes.
Obstructive sleep apnea poses 2.5-fold increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality.
Differentiating between obstructive and central sleep apnea is crucial for appropriate treatment selection.
Deep dives
Prevalence and Impact of Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Sleep-disordered breathing encompasses obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea, affecting up to 70-80% of patients with atrial fibrillation and 50-70% of those with heart failure. Studies reveal a 2.5-fold increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality associated with obstructive sleep apnea. The condition is common and significantly influences cardiovascular-related morbidity and mortality.
Screening and Diagnosis of Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Identifying risk factors like age, male gender, high BMI, and daytime sleepiness can aid in screening for sleep-disordered breathing. Nocturnal polysomnography serves as the gold standard for diagnosis, offering detailed sleep assessments, airflow monitoring, and oxygen levels. Differentiating between obstructive and central sleep apnea guides appropriate treatment selection for better patient outcomes.
Treatment Approaches for Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Initial lifestyle changes such as weight loss and exercise are fundamental for managing obstructive sleep apnea. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy proves beneficial in improving symptoms and lowering cardiovascular risks. Treatments for central sleep apnea involve optimizing heart failure therapy and addressing underlying cardiovascular conditions as primary approaches to alleviate symptoms and improve patient well-being.
In this episode of the Heart podcast, Digital Media Editor, Professor James Rudd, is joined by Dr Ali Vazir from The Royal Brompton Hospital in London. They discuss all aspects of sleep-disordered breathing and why it's important to be aware of this condition. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a podcast review at https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/heart-podcast/id445358212?mt=2 or wherever you get your podcasts - it's really helpful.