The most common sleep disorder in heart failure is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA is a condition where the airway is blocked during sleep, causing the patient to stop breathing for short periods of time. This disruption of normal breathing leads to a decrease in oxygen levels and an increase in carbon dioxide levels in the blood. As a result, the heart must work harder to get oxygen to the body, leading to an increased risk of cardiac arrest and stroke.
Some of the symptoms of OSA include daytime sleepiness, snoring, waking up frequently during the night, and having difficulty staying asleep. Physical risk factors for OSA include being overweight or obese, having a large neck circumference, and having a narrow airway. Medical conditions such as heart failure, hypertension, stroke, and diabetes can also increase the risk of developing OSA.
Treatment for OSA depends on the individual's symptoms and medical history. Lifestyle modifications such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol and sleeping medications, and using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine can be beneficial. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove excess tissue blocking the airway.
It is important for people with heart failure to be screened for OSA and to seek appropriate treatment if needed. Treating OSA can help reduce the risk of cardiac arrest and stroke, as well as improve quality of life and reduce fatigue.