Sleep-disordered breathing in heart failure

Sacubitril/valsartan has an underestimated impact on the right ventricle in patients with sleep-disordered breathing, especially central sleep apnoea syndrome

BACKGROUND

Sacubitril/valsartan has been demonstrated to significantly improve left ventricular performance and remodelling in patients with heart failure. However, its effects on the right ventricle in patients with chronic heart failure and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) have not been studied.

AIM

To investigate the impact of sacubitril/valsartan treatment on right ventricular function in patients with SDB.

METHODS

This was a subanalysis of an observational prospective multicentre study involving 101 patients. At inclusion, patients were evaluated by echocardiography and nocturnal ventilatory polygraphy, which allowed patients to be divided into three groups: "central-SDB"; "obstructive-SDB"; and "no-SDB".

RESULTS

After 3 months of sacubitril/valsartan therapy, a positive impact on right ventricular function was observed. In the general population, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion increased by +1.32±4.74mm (P=0.024) and systolic pulmonary artery pressure decreased by -3.1±10.91mmHg (P=0.048). The central-SDB group experienced the greatest echocardiographic improvement, with a significant increase in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion of +2.1±4.9mm (P=0.045) and a significant reduction in systolic pulmonary artery pressure of -8.4±9.7mmHg (P=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Sacubitril/valsartan improved right ventricular function in patients with heart failure and SDB after only 3 months of treatment. The greatest improvement in right ventricular function was observed in the central-SDB group.

Cluster analysis of heart failure patients based on their psychological and physical symptoms and predictive analysis of cluster membership

AIM

Patients with heart failure experience multiple co-occurring symptoms that lower their quality of life and increase hospitalization and mortality rates. So far, no heart failure symptom cluster study recruited patients from community settings or focused on symptoms predicting most clinical outcomes. Considering physical and psychological symptoms together allows understanding how they burden patients in different combinations. Moreover, studies predicting symptom cluster membership using variables other than symptoms are lacking. We aimed to (a) cluster heart failure patients based on physical and psychological symptoms and (b) predict symptom cluster membership using sociodemographic/clinical variables.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of MOTIVATE-HF trial, which recruited 510 heart failure patients from a hospital, an outpatient and a community setting in Italy.

METHODS

Cluster analysis was performed based on the two scores of the Hospital Anxiety-Depression scale and two scores of the Heart-Failure Somatic Perception Scale predicting most clinical outcomes. ANOVA and chi-square test were used to compare patients' characteristics among clusters. For the predictive analysis, we split the data into a training set and a test set and trained three classification models on the former to predict patients' symptom cluster membership based on 11 clinical/sociodemographic variables. Permutation analysis investigated which variables best predicted cluster membership.

RESULTS

Four clusters were identified based on the intensity and combination of psychological and physical symptoms: mixed distress (high psychological, low physical symptoms), high distress, low distress and moderate distress. Clinical and sociodemographic differences were found among clusters. NYHA-class (New York Heart Association) and sleep quality were the most important variables in predicting symptom cluster membership.

CONCLUSIONS

These results can support the development of tailored symptom management intervention and the investigation of symptom clusters' effect on patient outcomes. The promising results of the predictive analysis suggest that such benefits may be obtained even when direct access to symptoms-related data is absent.

IMPLICATIONS

These results may be particularly useful to clinicians, patients and researchers because they highlight the importance of addressing clusters of symptoms, instead of individual symptoms, to facilitate symptom detection and management. Knowing which variables best predict symptom cluster membership can allow to obtain such benefits even when direct access to symptoms-data is absent.

IMPACT

Four clusters of heart failure patients characterized by different intensity and combination of psychological and physical symptoms were identified. NYHA class and sleep quality appeared important variables in predicting symptom cluster membership.

REPORTING METHOD

The authors have adhered to the EQUATOR guidelines STROBE to report observational cross-sectional studies.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

Patients were included only for collecting their data.

Effects of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol on sleep apnea: Insights from a rat model of cardiovascular autonomic dysregulation

INTRODUCTION

The levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in plasma are important risk factors for coronary heart disease. Several reports suggest that elevated plasma cholesterol is associated with cardiac arrhythmias. In a subsequent study investigating LDL cholesterol levels and the frequency of LDL cholesterol measurements, a positive correlation was observed between the severity of sleep apnea and visit-to-visit LDL cholesterol variability. Our objective was to assess the effects of hypercholesterolemia on cardiac autonomic activity, disordered sleep patterns, and increased incidence of arrhythmias in freely moving rats.

METHODS

Wireless transmission of polysomnographic recordings was performed in control and high cholesterol male rats during normal daytime sleep. Spectral analyses were conducted on the electroencephalogram and electromyogram (EMG) recordings to distinguish active waking, quiet sleep, and paradoxical sleep. Heart rate variability power spectrum analysis was used to measure cardiac autonomic activity.

RESULTS

The high cholesterol group exhibited a higher low-frequency (LF)/high-frequency (HF) power ratio during all sleep stages compared to the control group. Additionally, the frequency of sleep interruptions was increased in the high cholesterol group compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show significant sleep fragmentation with sympathetic hyperactivity after exposure to high cholesterol. This indicates that high cholesterol may increase the risk of sleep apnea and poor sleep quality by disrupting autonomic homeostasis.

Focus Group Study of Heart Failure Nurses' Perceptions of the Feasibility of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia

BACKGROUND

People with heart failure (HF) often report insomnia with daytime consequences, including fatigue and decreased functional performance. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is an efficacious treatment, but few have access because of a shortage of trained sleep specialists. Access may be improved by offering it where people with HF receive care.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of nurses who specialize in HF regarding the value of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia to their patients, the feasibility of offering it in HF clinical settings, its delivery by nurses, and preferences for modes of delivery.

METHODS

We used a descriptive qualitative study design. We recruited focus group participants via e-mail to American Association of Heart Failure Nurses members and through requests for nurse collaborators to distribute within their networks. We conducted focus groups via Zoom. After describing cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia and its efficacy for people with HF, we elicited perceptions about its value if provided in the HF outpatient clinical setting, facilitators and barriers to implementation, and other ways to increase access. We audio-recorded and transcribed the discussions. Two researchers coded the data and performed thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Four focus groups included 23 registered nurses and advanced practice nurses employed in outpatient HF clinics. We identified five themes: "Insomnia Overlooked," "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia Works," "Nurses' Role," "Barriers and Supports," and "Modes of Delivery." Nurses endorsed the importance of insomnia to people with HF and the value of providing cognitive behavioral therapy. They expressed interest in evaluating and addressing sleep, the need for increased resources to address it, and multiple modes of delivery. All nurses believed they had a role in promoting sleep health but differed in their views about providing cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.

DISCUSSION

Nurses specializing in HF support the implementation of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. Implementation studies are needed to identify effective methods to increase access to this efficacious treatment in outpatient HF clinical settings, including support and training for nurses who are interested and able to deliver it.

What frail, older patients talk about when they talk about self-care-a qualitative study in heart failure care

BACKGROUND

Self-care plays a crucial role in the management of heart failure (HF) and is especially important for older patients who are frail. However, there is limited knowledge about how frail, older patients with HF perceive and experience self-care. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the experiences of self-care among frail, older patients with HF.

METHODS

A qualitative descriptive design with semi-structured interviews with frail, older patients diagnosed with HF (n = 19; median age 82 years). Thematic analysis, guided by Braun and Clarke, was used to analyse the data.

RESULTS

Two main themes emerged from the analysis: 1) "To maintain my health," encompassing various aspects such as hygiene practices, engaging in physical activity, medication adherence, following a healthy diet, and ensuring adequate rest; and 2) "To maintain my well-being and happiness," highlighting the importance of hobbies, maintaining independence, participating in social activities, and creating a supportive environment.

CONCLUSION

This study provides valuable insights into the perspectives of frail, older patients with HF regarding self-care. It was observed that older patients often associate self-care with general well-being, hygiene, and happiness. Clear communication between healthcare providers and patients is essential to align different perspectives on self-care and ensure that self-care plans are tailored to individual needs. Moreover, addressing the emotional well-being and happiness of patients should be prioritized, as these factors play a significant role in promoting self-care adherence.

Central sleep apnea treated by a constant low-dose CO2 supplied by a novel device

CO2 inhalation has been previously reported as a treatment for central sleep apnea both when associated with heart failure or where the cause is unknown. Here, we evaluated a novel CO2 supply system using a novel open mask capable of comfortably delivering a constantly inspired fraction of CO2 ([Formula: see text]) during sleep. We recruited 18 patients with central sleep apnea (13 patients with cardiac disease, and 5 patients idiopathic) diagnosed by diaphragm electromyogram (EMG) recordings made during overnight full polysomnography (PSG) (night 1). In each case, the optimal [Formula: see text] was determined by an overnight manual titration with PSG (night 2). Titration commenced at 1% CO2 and increased by 0.2% increments until central sleep apnea (CSA) disappeared. Patients were then treated on the third night (night 3) with the lowest therapeutically effective concentration of CO2 derived from night 2. Comparing night 1 and night 3, both apnea-hypopnea index (AHI; 31 ± 14 vs. 6 ± 3 events/h, P < 0.01) and arousal index (22 ± 8 vs. 15 ± 8 events/h, P < 0.01) were significantly improved during CO2 treatment. Sleep efficiency improved from 71 ± 18 to 80 ± 11%, P < 0.05, and sleep latency was shorter (23 ± 18 vs. 10 ± 10 min, P < 0.01). Heart rate was not different between night 1 and night 3. Our data confirm the feasibility of our CO2 delivery system and indicate that individually titrated CO2 supplementation with a novel device including a special open mask can reduce sleep disordered breathing severity and improve sleep quality. Randomized controlled studies should now be undertaken to assess therapeutic benefit for patients with CSA.NEW & NOTEWORTHY A novel device using a special mask was developed and proved that CO2 therapy using the device could eliminate central sleep apnea (CSA) events and improve sleep quality including reducing arousal index in patients with heart failure. The device would become a useful clinical treatment for heart failure patients with CSA.

Korean Society of Heart Failure Guidelines for the Management of Heart Failure: Management of the Underlying Etiologies and Comorbidities of Heart Failure

Most patients with heart failure (HF) have multiple comorbidities, which impact their quality of life, aggravate HF, and increase mortality. Cardiovascular comorbidities include systemic and pulmonary hypertension, ischemic and valvular heart diseases, and atrial fibrillation. Non-cardiovascular comorbidities include diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney and pulmonary diseases, iron deficiency and anemia, and sleep apnea. In patients with HF with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy, renin-angiotensin system inhibitors combined with calcium channel blockers and/or diuretics is an effective treatment regimen. Measurement of pulmonary vascular resistance via right heart catheterization is recommended for patients with HF considered suitable for implantation of mechanical circulatory support devices or as heart transplantation candidates. Coronary angiography remains the gold standard for the diagnosis and reperfusion in patients with HF and angina pectoris refractory to antianginal medications. In patients with HF and atrial fibrillation, long-term anticoagulants are recommended according to the CHA2DS2-VASc scores. Valvular heart diseases should be treated medically and/or surgically. In patients with HF and DM, metformin is relatively safer; thiazolidinediones cause fluid retention and should be avoided in patients with HF and dyspnea. In renal insufficiency, both volume status and cardiac performance are important for therapy guidance. In patients with HF and pulmonary disease, beta-blockers are underused, which may be related to increased mortality. In patients with HF and anemia, iron supplementation can help improve symptoms. In obstructive sleep apnea, continuous positive airway pressure therapy helps avoid severe nocturnal hypoxia. Appropriate management of comorbidities is important for improving clinical outcomes in patients with HF.

Korean Society of Heart Failure Guidelines for the Management of Heart Failure: Management of the Underlying Etiologies and Comorbidities of Heart Failure

Most patients with heart failure (HF) have multiple comorbidities, which impact their quality of life, aggravate HF, and increase mortality. Cardiovascular comorbidities include systemic and pulmonary hypertension, ischemic and valvular heart diseases, and atrial fibrillation. Non-cardiovascular comorbidities include diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney and pulmonary diseases, iron deficiency and anemia, and sleep apnea. In patients with HF with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy, renin-angiotensin system inhibitors combined with calcium channel blockers and/or diuretics is an effective treatment regimen. Measurement of pulmonary vascular resistance via right heart catheterization is recommended for patients with HF considered suitable for implantation of mechanical circulatory support devices or as heart transplantation candidates. Coronary angiography remains the gold standard for the diagnosis and reperfusion in patients with HF and angina pectoris refractory to antianginal medications. In patients with HF and atrial fibrillation, long-term anticoagulants are recommended according to the CHA2DS2-VASc scores. Valvular heart diseases should be treated medically and/or surgically. In patients with HF and DM, metformin is relatively safer; thiazolidinediones cause fluid retention and should be avoided in patients with HF and dyspnea. In renal insufficiency, both volume status and cardiac performance are important for therapy guidance. In patients with HF and pulmonary disease, beta-blockers are underused, which may be related to increased mortality. In patients with HF and anemia, iron supplementation can help improve symptoms. In obstructive sleep apnea, continuous positive airway pressure therapy helps avoid severe nocturnal hypoxia. Appropriate management of comorbidities is important for improving clinical outcomes in patients with HF.

Diagnostic and therapeutic approach of central sleep apnea in heart failure - the role of adaptive servo-ventilation. A statement of the Portuguese society of pulmonology and the Portuguese sleep association

It is known that patients with heart failure (HF) have an increased risk of developing central sleep apnoea (CSA), with Cheyne-Stokes respiration. The development of servo-ventilation aimed to treat CSA and improve the quality of life (QoL) of these patients. A large randomized clinical study, SERVE-HF, was conducted in order to test this theory in patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The results from this trial seemed to indicate that, in these patients, there was no beneficial effect of the assisted ventilation in CSA treatment. More surprisingly, an increased rate of all-cause or cardiovascular mortality was observed. This has led to dramatic changes in clinical practice, with decreased frequency of servo-ventilation prescription across Europe, including Portugal, due to changes in the guidelines. However, SERVE-HF was conducted only in severe systolic HF patients with CSA, and caution must be taken when extrapolating these results to HF patients with preserved ejection fraction or CSA patients without HF. The study also showed poor adherence, methodological and statistical gaps, including study design, patient selection, data collection and analysis, treatment adherence, and group crossovers, which have not been discussed in the trial as potential confounding factors and raise several concerns. Moreover, the adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) device used in SERVE-HF was unable to lower the minimum support pressure below 3 mm H₂0, and this has been suggested as one of the probable contributing reasons to the excess mortality observed in this study. This limitation has since been solved, and this ASV device is no longer used. This paper describes the results of a Portuguese Task Force on the treatment of central sleep apnoea in patients with chronic HF.

Prevalence, clinical characteristics, and predictors of sleep disordered breathing in hospitalized heart failure patients

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) is often comorbid with sleep disordered breathing (SDB). This prospective study investigated the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and predictors of SDB in hospitalized HF patients.

METHODS

Sleep studies were performed on hospitalized HF patients from January 2015 to February 2019. SDB was categorized as no/mild SDB, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and central sleep apnea (CSA).

RESULTS

The study included 1069 hospitalized HF patients. The prevalence rates of OSA and CSA were 16.6% and 36.9%, respectively. Patients with OSA or CSA were more likely to be male and have a higher body mass index (BMI) and more comorbidities. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that male sex (odds ratio [OR] = 1.803, 95% confidence interval  [CI] = 1.099-2.958), BMI (per 5 kg/m² increase: OR = 2.270, 95% CI = 1.852-2.783), hypertension (OR = 2.719, 95% CI = 1.817-4.070), diabetes (OR = 1.477, 95% CI = 1.020-2.139), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (per 5% increase, OR = 1.126, 95% CI = 1.053-1.204) were independent predictors of OSA. Male sex (OR = 1.699, 95% CI = 1.085-1.271), age (per 10 years, OR = 1.235, 95% CI = 1.118-1.363), heart rate (per 10 bpm, OR = 1.174, 95% CI = 1.099-2.958), LVEF (per 5% increase, OR = 0.882, 95% CI = 0.835-0.932), NT-proBNP (lnNT-proBNP, OR = 1.234, 95% CI = 1.089-1.398) and hypocapnia (OR = 1.455, 95% CI = 1.105-1.915) were independent predictors of CSA. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.794 (95% CI = 0.758-0.830) and 0.673 (95% CI = 0.640-0.706), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

More than half of hospitalized HF patients had OSA or CSA, and CSA was the predominant type. OSA and CSA predictors differ. The clinical characteristics of HF patients can help make preliminary predictions for SDB patients.

Knowledge domain and emerging trends in empagliflozin for heart failure: A bibliometric and visualized analysis

Objective

Empagliflozin (EMPA), a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i), is recommended for all patients with Heart failure (HF) to reduce the risk of Cardiovascular death, hospitalization, and HF exacerbation. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation was conducted by searching relevant literatures of EMPA for Heart Failure from 2013 to 2022, and visual analysis in this field was conducted.

Methods

The data were from the Web of Science Core Collection database (WOSCC). The bibliometric tools, CiteSpace and VOSviewer, were used for econometric analysis to probe the evolvement of disciplines and research hotspots in the field of EMPA for Heart Failure.

Results

A total of 1461 literatures with 43861 references about EMPA for Heart Failure in the decade were extracted from WOSCC, and the number of manuscripts were on a rise. In the terms of co-authorship, USA leads the field in research maturity and exerts a crucial role in the field of EMPA for Heart Failure. Multidisciplinary research is conducive to future development. With regards to literatures, we obtained 9 hot paper, 93 highly cited literatures, and 10 co-cited references. The current research focuses on the following three aspects: EMPA improves left ventricular remodeling, exert renal protection, and increases heart rate variability.

Conclusion

Based on methods such as bibliometrics, citation analysis and knowledge graph, this study analyzed the current situation and trend of EMPA for Heart Failure, sorted out the knowledge context in this field, and provided reference for current and future prevention and scientific research.

Vagal milieu or electrophysiologic substrate? The link between atrial fibrillation and obstructive sleep apnea

Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia with its prevalence expected to increase to 12.1 million people in the United States by 2030. Chronic underlying conditions that affect the heart and lungs predispose patients to develop atrial fibrillation. Obstructive sleep apnea is strongly associated with atrial fibrillation. Several pathophysiological mechanisms have been proposed to elucidate this relationship which includes electrophysiological substrate modification and the contribution of the autonomic nervous system. In this comprehensive review, we highlight important relationships and plausible causality between obstructive sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation which will improve our understanding in the evaluation, management, and prevention of atrial fibrillation. This is the most updated comprehensive review of the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation.

Transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation to treat central sleep apnoea in patients with heart failure may improve sleep, quality of life, and symptoms

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Sleep disorder breathing is an important non-cardiovascular comorbidity in patients with heart failure (HF). However, central sleep apnoea (CSA) remains poorly diagnosed and treated. This post-hoc analysis examined symptoms and quality of life in patients with CSA and HF following 12 months of transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation (TPNS) therapy.

METHODS AND RESULT

: Patients enrolled in remedē System Pivotal trial were invited to complete self-reported questionnaires. Symptoms and responses to three validated questionnaires were examined. Percentage of patients noting an impairment was calculated at baseline. At 12 months, % of patients experiencing improvement, no change, or worsening was calculated. Shifts from symptom presence at baseline to absence at 12 months was assessed for those symptoms experienced by ≥50% of patients at baseline. Seventy-five patients were included. Most frequently reported symptoms were fatigue and daytime sleepiness. Following 12 months of TPNS, a variety of subjective improvements were observed; 45% of patients indicating cessation of daytime sleepiness, 44% cessation of fatigue/weakness, and 52% no longer having difficulty falling/staying asleep. Specific questions related to tiredness/fatigue, motivation, and chance of dozing provided an insight into potential areas of improvement. Furthermore, at least 60% of patients reported resolution of insomnia/fragmented sleep and snoring on therapy.

CONCLUSION

Adult patients with CSA and HF experience distressing symptoms and limitations. TPNS was found to improve many of these. Awareness of key symptoms or limitations patients experience can be used to inform the development of a CSA-specific patient questionnaire to identify CSA sooner and aid treatment decisions.

Temporal Trends in the Practice Pattern for Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Patients With Cardiovascular Diseases in Japan - Insights From the Japanese Registry of All Cardiac and Vascular Diseases - Diagnosis Procedure Combination

BACKGROUND

After the publication of the Japanese Circulation Society guideline of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in 2010, with new evidence and changes to the health insurance system, trends in the practice pattern for SDB in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) might have changed.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This study evaluated the temporal changes in the practice pattern for SDB by using a nationwide claim database, the Japanese Registry of All Cardiac and Vascular Diseases - Diagnosis Procedure Combination (JROAD-DPC), from 2012 to 2019. The main findings were: (1) the number of CVD patients diagnosed with SDB increased (especially those with atrial fibrillation [AF] and heart failure [HF]); (2) the number of diagnostic tests for SDB performed during hospitalization increased for AF patients (from 1.3% in 2012 to 1.8% in 2019), whereas it decreased for other CVD patients; (3) the number of patients diagnosed with SDB increased in each type of CVD, except for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI); (4) continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment increased for AF patients (from 15.2% to 17.5%); (5) CPAP treatment decreased for patients with angina pectoris (AP) and AMI, and any treatment decreased for HF patients (from 46.1% to 39.7%); and (6) SDB was treated more often in HF patients than in AF, AP, and AMI patients (41.7% vs. 17.2%, 19.1% and 20.4%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The practice pattern for SDB in CVD patients has changed from 2012 to 2019.

Evaluation and Treatment of Central Sleep Apnea in Patients with Heart Failure

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a common comorbidity in patients with heart failure (HF). Prevalence of the most common subtypes of SDB, central sleep apnea (CSA) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is increasing, which is concerning due to the association of SDB with increased mortality in patients with heart failure. Despite an increasing burden of CSA in HF, it is difficult to detect using current diagnostic tools and the treatment modalities are limited by variable efficacy and patient adherence. Though positive airway pressure therapies remain the cornerstone of OSA treatment, the management of CSA in the setting of HF continues to evolve. The association of the presence of CSA with worse prognosis in HF patients warrants the need for routine screening for signs and symptoms of CSA in this population. In this review, we examine the connection between CSA and HF, highlighting advancements in timely diagnostics, treatment modalities, and strategies to promote facilitation of compliance in this high-risk cohort.

Effects of Sacubitril-Valsartan on Clinical, Echocardiographic, and Polygraphic Parameters in Patients Affected by Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction and Sleep Apnea

Background

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is a clinical condition frequently diagnosed in clinical practice. In patients affected by HFrEF, sleep apnea (SA) can be detected among the most frequent comorbidities. Sacubitril–valsartan (sac/val) association has been proven to be effective in reducing disease progression and all-cause mortality in HFrEF patients. Sac/val treatment can potentially attenuate SA development via several pathophysiologic mechanisms, including improvement of global hemodynamics, reduction of extracellular fluid overload, and decrease of sympathetic neural activity.

Methods

We recruited 132 patients affected by HFrEF and SA, already under treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which was discontinued 24 h before the scheduled study timepoints. Physical examination, echocardiography, nocturnal cardio-respiratory monitoring, and laboratory tests were performed in each patient at baseline and after a 6-month treatment with sac/val.

Results

After 6 months, sac/val induced statistically significant changes in clinical, hemodynamic, biohumoral (NT-proBNP, serum electrolytes, creatinine, and uric acid), and echocardiographic parameters. In particular, cardiac index (CI), both atrial and ventricular volumes and global longitudinal strain (GLS) improved. Moreover, polysomnography, carried out during a temporary CPAP interruption, revealed a significant reduction in global apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) value (p < 0.0001), central AHI (p < 0.0001), obstructive AHI (p < 0.0001), oxygen desaturation index (ODI) (p < 0.0001), and percentage time of saturation below 90% (TC90) (p < 0.0001). The changes of CI, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), NT-proBNP, and tricuspid annular plane excursion (TAPSE) contributed to 23.6, 7.6, 7.3, and 4.8% of AHI variability, respectively, and the whole model accounted for a 43.3% of AHI variation.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that treatment with sac/val is able to significantly improve the cardiorespiratory performance of patients with HFrEF and SA, integrating the positive impact of CPAP. Thus, both CPAP and sac/val therapy may synergistically contribute to lower the risks of both cardiac and pulmonary complications in HFrEF patients with SA.

2021 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure: Developed by the Task Force for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). With the special contribution of the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the ESC

Document Reviewers: Rudolf A. de Boer (CPG Review Coordinator) (Netherlands), P. Christian Schulze (CPG Review Coordinator) (Germany), Magdy Abdelhamid (Egypt), Victor Aboyans (France), Stamatis Adamopoulos (Greece), Stefan D. Anker (Germany), Elena Arbelo (Spain), Riccardo Asteggiano (Italy), Johann Bauersachs (Germany), Antoni Bayes-Genis (Spain), Michael A. Borger (Germany), Werner Budts (Belgium), Maja Cikes (Croatia), Kevin Damman (Netherlands), Victoria Delgado (Netherlands), Paul Dendale (Belgium), Polychronis Dilaveris (Greece), Heinz Drexel (Austria), Justin Ezekowitz (Canada), Volkmar Falk (Germany), Laurent Fauchier (France), Gerasimos Filippatos (Greece), Alan Fraser (United Kingdom), Norbert Frey (Germany), Chris P. Gale (United Kingdom), Finn Gustafsson (Denmark), Julie Harris (United Kingdom), Bernard Iung (France), Stefan Janssens (Belgium), Mariell Jessup (United States of America), Aleksandra Konradi (Russia), Dipak Kotecha (United Kingdom), Ekaterini Lambrinou (Cyprus), Patrizio Lancellotti (Belgium), Ulf Landmesser (Germany), Christophe Leclercq (France), Basil S. Lewis (Israel), Francisco Leyva (United Kingdom), AleVs Linhart (Czech Republic), Maja-Lisa Løchen (Norway), Lars H. Lund (Sweden), Donna Mancini (United States of America), Josep Masip (Spain), Davor Milicic (Croatia), Christian Mueller (Switzerland), Holger Nef (Germany), Jens-Cosedis Nielsen (Denmark), Lis Neubeck (United Kingdom), Michel Noutsias (Germany), Steffen E. Petersen (United Kingdom), Anna Sonia Petronio (Italy), Piotr Ponikowski (Poland), Eva Prescott (Denmark), Amina Rakisheva (Kazakhstan), Dimitrios J. Richter (Greece), Evgeny Schlyakhto (Russia), Petar Seferovic (Serbia), Michele Senni (Italy), Marta Sitges (Spain), Miguel Sousa-Uva (Portugal), Carlo G. Tocchetti (Italy), Rhian M. Touyz (United Kingdom), Carsten Tschoepe (Germany), Johannes Waltenberger (Germany/Switzerland) All experts involved in the development of these guidelines have submitted declarations of interest. These have been compiled in a report and published in a supplementary document simultaneously to the guidelines. The report is also available on the ESC website www.escardio.org/guidelines For the Supplementary Data which include background information and detailed discussion of the data that have provided the basis for the guidelines see European Heart Journal online.

Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS) Clinical Practice Guidelines 2020

The prevalence of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is reportedly very high. Among SDBs, the incidence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is higher than previously believed, with patients having moderate-to-severe OSA accounting for approximately 20% of adult males and 10% of postmenopausal women not only in Western countries but also in Eastern countries, including Japan. Since 1998, when health insurance coverage became available, the number of patients using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for sleep apnea has increased sharply, with the number of patients about to exceed 500,000 in Japan. Although the "Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS) in Adults" was published in 2005, a new guideline was prepared in order to indicate the standard medical care based on the latest trends, as supervised by and in cooperation with the Japanese Respiratory Society and the "Survey and Research on Refractory Respiratory Diseases and Pulmonary Hypertension" Group, of Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and other related academic societies, including the Japanese Society of Sleep Research, in addition to referring to the previous guidelines. Because sleep apnea is an interdisciplinary field covering many areas, this guideline was prepared including 36 clinical questions (CQs). In the English version, therapies and managements for SAS, which were written from CQ16 to 36, were shown. The Japanese version was published in July 2020 and permitted as well as published as one of the Medical Information Network Distribution Service (Minds) clinical practice guidelines in Japan in July 2021.

Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS) Clinical Practice Guidelines 2020

The prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is reportedly very high. Among SDBs, the incidence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is higher than previously believed, with patients having moderate-to-severe OSA accounting for approximately 20% of adult males and 10% of postmenopausal women not only in Western countries but also in Eastern countries, including Japan. Since 1998, when health insurance coverage became available, the number of patients using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for sleep apnea has increased sharply, with the number of patients about to exceed 500,000 in Japan. Although the "Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS) in Adults" was published in 2005, a new guideline was prepared to indicate the standard medical care based on the latest trends, as supervised by and in cooperation with the Japanese Respiratory Society and the "Survey and Research on Refractory Respiratory Diseases and Pulmonary Hypertension" Group, of Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and other related academic societies, including the Japanese Society of Sleep Research, in addition to referring to the previous guidelines. Since sleep apnea is an interdisciplinary field covering many areas, this guideline was prepared including 36 clinical questions (CQs). In the English version, therapies and managements for SAS, which were written from CQ16 to 36, were shown. The Japanese version was published in July 2020 and permitted as well as published as one of the Medical Information Network Distribution Service (Minds) clinical practice guidelines in Japan in July 2021.

Sleep Apnoea and Heart Failure

Heart Failure (HF) and Sleep-Disordered-Breathing (SDB) are two common conditions that frequently overlap and have been studied extensively in the past three decades. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) may result in myocardial damage, due to intermittent hypoxia increased sympathetic activity and transmural pressures, low-grade vascular inflammation and oxidative stress. On the other hand, central sleep apnoea and Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSA-CSR) occurs in HF, irrespective of ejection fraction either reduced (HFrEF), preserved (HFpEF) or mildly reduced (HFmrEF). The pathophysiology of CSA-CSR relies on several mechanisms leading to hyperventilation, breathing cessation and periodic breathing. Pharyngeal collapse may result at least in part from fluid accumulation in the neck, owing to daytime fluid retention and overnight rostral fluid shift from the legs. Although both OSA and CSA-CSR occur in HF, the symptoms are less suggestive than in typical (non-HF related) OSA. Overnight monitoring is mandatory for a proper diagnosis, with accurate measurement and scoring of central and obstructive events, since the management will be different depending on whether the sleep apnea in HF is predominantly OSA or CSA-CSR. SDB in HF are associated with worse prognosis, including higher mortality than in patients with HF but without SDB. However, there is currently no evidence that treating SDB improves clinically important outcomes in patients with HF, such as cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Sleep Disordered Breathing and Cardiovascular Disease: JACC State-of-the-Art Review

Sleep disordered breathing causes repetitive episodes of nocturnal hypoxemia, sympathetic nervous activation, and cortical arousal, often associated with excessive daytime sleepiness. Sleep disordered breathing is common in people with, or at risk of, cardiovascular (CV) disease including those who are obese or have hypertension, coronary disease, heart failure, or atrial fibrillation. Current therapy of obstructive sleep apnea includes weight loss (if obese), exercise, and positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. This improves daytime sleepiness. Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with increased CV risk, but treatment with PAP in randomized trials has not been shown to improve CV outcome. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is not usually associated with daytime sleepiness in heart failure or atrial fibrillation and is a marker of increased CV risk, but PAP has been shown to be harmful in 1 randomized trial. The benefits of better phenotyping, targeting of higher-risk patients, and a more personalized approach to therapy are being explored in ongoing trials.

Pathophysiological Mechanisms to Review Association of Atrial Fibrillation in Heart Failure With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) comprising obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is found in more than half of patients with heart failure (HF) and may have negative impacts on cardiovascular function. Increased atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and the development of coronary events and congestive heart failure are associated with OSA. It is associated with a substandard quality of life, increased hospitalizations, and a poor prognosis. Despite its association with severe cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, the condition is frequently underdiagnosed. The substantial clinical evidence has established OSA as an independent risk factor for bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias in the last decade. The mechanisms which lead to such arrhythmias are uncertain. In short, OSA patients have a significantly elevated risk of HF and atrial fibrillation (AF). The direct correlation between HF, SDB, and cardiac arrhythmias has been poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to get a better understanding of the relation between AF, OSA, and HF by focusing on the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these conditions. Therefore, we searched for articles to support our association in PubMed and Google Scholar databases.

Sacubitril-valsartan initiation in chronic heart failure patients impacts sleep apnea: the ENTRESTO-SAS study

Aims

Optimizing medical cardiac treatment for sleep apnoea (SA) in patients with chronic heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is an expert Grade C recommendation based on six studies encompassing a total of 67 patients only. Whether sacubitril–valsartan (SV), a cornerstone of HFrEF medical treatment, impacts SA is unknown and requires evaluation.

Methods and results

The ENTRESTO‐SAS trial is a six‐centre, prospective, open‐label real‐life cohort study (NCT02916160). Ambulatory patients eligible for SV (i.e. HFrEF adults who remain symptomatic despite optimal treatment) were evaluated before and after 3 months of SV (including nocturnal ventilatory polygraphy); 118 patients were final analysed [median age was 66 (IQ_25–75: 56–73) years, 81.4% male, 36.5% New York Heart Association III–IV, N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide level of 1564 (701–3376) ng/L, left ventricular ejection fraction of 30 (25–34)%, 60.7% ischaemic HFrEF, 97.5% initially treated with angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers, 83.9% with beta‐blockers, 64.4% with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and 74.6% with diuretics]. Three groups were defined according to initial central/obstructive apnoea–hypopnoea indices (AHIs): G1 (n = 49, AHI_central ≥ 5/h and AHI_obstructive < 15/h); G2 (n = 27, AHI_obstructive ≥ 15/h); and G3 (n = 42, AHI_central < 5/h and AHI_obstructive < 15/h). At 3 months, the AHI (main predefined outcome) decreased significantly by −7.10/h (IQ_25–75: −16.10 to 0.40; P < 0.001) in G1 + G2 without positive airway pressure treatment (45 patients, median initial AHI of 24.20 (IQ_25–75: 16.40–43.50)/h). Of these, 24.4% presented an AHI decrease ≥50% and 37.78% had a final AHI < 15/h (tendency for improvement from an initial value of 20%: P = 0.0574). For G1 patients (n = 37), AHI significantly decreased from a median of 22.90 (16.00–43.50)/h to 19.20 (12.70–31.10)/h (P = 0.002). For G2 patients (n = 8), AHI decreased from a median of 30.10 (26.40–47.60)/h to 22.75 (14.60–36.90)/h (statistically non‐significant, P = 0.059).

Conclusions

In this real‐life population, SV treatment for 3 months in SA patients is associated with a significant decrease in AHI. These results support the current guidelines that recommend first an optimization of the HFrEF treatment in patients with HFrEF and central SA. A potential positive airway pressure sparing effect merits further investigation.

Prevalence of Sleep Disordered Breathing in Patients with Primary Mitral Regurgitation Undergoing Mitral Valve Surgery

BACKGROUND

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is a frequent comorbidity in cardiac disease patients. Nevertheless, the prevalence and relationship between SDB and severe primary mitral regurgitation (PMR) has not been well investigated to date.

METHODS

A cohort of 121 patients with significant PMR undergoing mitral valve surgery were prospectively enrolled and received a cardiorespiratory single night polygraphy screening using ApneaLink before surgery. Eighty-two of them underwent a follow-up examination including a follow-up single-night sleep study 3 months after surgery.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 65.3 ± 12.0 years. Sixty patients (49.6%) were female. The mean EuroSCORE II was 2.5 ± 2.4%. Initially, 91 (75.2%) patients presented with SDB, among whom 50.4% (46 patients, 38.0% of total cohort) were classified as moderate to severe. These patients tended to require significantly longer postoperative intensive care and mechanical ventilation. Among the 82 patients who completed follow-up exams, mitral valve surgery led to a significant reduction in relevant SDB (20.7%). The apnea-hypopnea index (from 11/h [4;18] to 4/h [3;14] (p = 0.04)), the oxygenation-desaturation index (from 8/h [3;18] to 5/h [3;12] (p = 0.008)) as well as the saturation time below 90% (from 32 min [13;86] to 18 min [5;36] (p = 0.005)), were all shown to be improved significantly.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of SDB is very high in patients with severe primary mitral regurgitation and may contribute to postoperative complications and prolonged intensive care. A significantly reduced but still high prevalence of SDB was observed 3 months after mitral valve surgery, highlighting the bidirectional relationship between SDB and heart failure.

Central Sleep Apnea and Pacing-Induced Cardiomyopathy

The role of central sleep apnea (CSA) in pacing-induced cardiomyopathy (PICM) remains speculative. In a prospective trial entitled UPGRADE, the presence of CSA was assessed by single-night polysomnography (PSG) in 54 PICM patients within 1 month after left ventricular lead implantation (with biventricular stimulation still not activated). CSA was diagnosed in half of patients (n = 27). Patients with moderate or severe CSA were randomized to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) versus right ventricular pacing (RVP) in a double-blinded cross-over design and re-scheduled for a follow-up PSG within 3 to 5 months. After crossing-over of stimulation mode another PSG was conducted 3 to 5 months later. CRT led to a significant increase in left ventricular ejection fraction and significant reduction in left ventricular end systolic volumes and N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide plasma levels, whereas no significant effects were observed with ongoing RVP. CSA was significantly improved after 3.9 (3.2 to 4.4) months of CRT: apnea-hypopnea index decreased from 39.1 (32.1 to 54.0) events per hour at baseline to 22.2/h (10.9 to 36.7) by CRT (p <0.001). Central apnea index decreased from 27.1/h (17.7 to 36.1) at baseline to 6.8/h (1.1 to 14.4) after CRT activation (p <0.001). Ongoing RVP yielded only a minor improvement in apnea-hypopnea index and central apnea index. Pre-existent CSA did not affect structural response rate and had no impact on mid-term follow-up (median 2.8 years). In conclusion, CSA is highly prevalent in patients with PICM. CRT upgrading significantly improves CSA leading to a similar outcome in PICM patients without pre-existent CSA.

Obstructive sleep apnoea, intermittent hypoxia and heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is recognised to be a potent risk factor for hypertension, coronary heart disease, strokes and heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction. However, the association between OSA and heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is less well recognised. Both conditions are very common globally.It appears that there are many similarities between the pathological effects of OSA and other known aetiologies of HFpEF and its postulated pathophysiology. Intermittent hypoxia induced by OSA leads to widespread stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and more importantly a systemic inflammatory state associated with oxidative stress. This is similar to the consequences of hypertension, diabetes, obesity and ageing that are the common precursors to HFpEF. The final common pathway is probably via the development of myocardial fibrosis and structural changes in collagen and myocardial titin that cause myocardial stiffening. Thus, considering the pathophysiology of OSA and HFpEF, OSA is likely to be a significant risk factor for HFpEF and further trials of preventive treatment should be considered.

Self-care of heart failure patients: practical management recommendations from the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology

Self-care is essential in the long-term management of chronic heart failure. Heart failure guidelines stress the importance of patient education on treatment adherence, lifestyle changes, symptom monitoring and adequate response to possible deterioration. Self-care is related to medical and person-centred outcomes in patients with heart failure such as better quality of life as well as lower mortality and readmission rates. Although guidelines give general direction for self-care advice, health care professionals working with patients with heart failure need more specific recommendations. The aim of the management recommendations in this paper is to provide practical advice for health professionals delivering care to patients with heart failure. Recommendations for nutrition, physical activity, medication adherence, psychological status, sleep, leisure and travel, smoking, immunization and preventing infections, symptom monitoring, and symptom management are consistent with information from guidelines, expert consensus documents, recent evidence and expert opinion.

Prognostic value of sleep apnea and nocturnal hypoxemia in patients with decompensated heart failure

Background

Nocturnal hypoxemia is an important factor underlying the impact of sleep apnea on heart failure. It remains unclear whether nocturnal hypoxemia has a greater prognostic value in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) compared with the frequency of sleep apnea.

Hypothesis

Nocturnal hypoxemia might be better than the frequency of sleep apnea in predicting the outcomes in ADHF.

Methods

Sleep studies were prospectively performed during an ADHF hospitalization from January 2015 to December 2017. Sleep apnea was defined as the apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) ≥15/h. The severity of nocturnal hypoxemia was determined by the percentage of time with saturation below 90% (T90%). The endpoint was the first event of all‐cause death, heart transplantation, implantation of left ventricular assist device, unplanned hospitalization for worsening heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, significant arrhythmias, or stroke.

Results

Of 382 patients, 189 (49.5%) had sleep apnea. The endpoint incidence did not differ between AHI categories (≥15/h vs <15/h: 52.4% vs 44.6%, log rank P = .353), but did between T90% categories (≥3.6% vs <3.6%: 54.5% vs 42.4%, log rank P = .023). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that T90% was independently associated with the endpoint (hazard ratio [HR] 1.008, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.001‐1.016, P = .033), whereas AHI was not; the risk of the endpoint increased by 40.8% in patients with T90% ≥3.6% (HR 1.408, 95%CI 1.030‐1.925, P = .032).

Conclusion

Nocturnal hypoxemia had a greater prognostic value in ADHF than the frequency of sleep apnea.

The difference in referencing in Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar

AIMS

How often a medical article is cited is important for many people because it is used to calculate different variables such as the h-index and the journal impact factor. The aim of this analysis was to assess how the citation count varies between Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, and Google Scholar in the current literature.

METHODS

We included the top 50 cited articles of four journals ESC Heart Failure; Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle; European Journal of Preventive Cardiology; and European Journal of Heart Failure in our analysis that were published between 1 January 2016 and 10 October 2019. We recorded the number of citations of these articles according to WoS, Scopus, and Google Scholar on 10 October 2019.

RESULTS

The top 50 articles in ESC Heart Failure were on average cited 12 (WoS), 13 (Scopus), and 17 times (Google Scholar); in Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle 37 (WoS), 43 (Scopus), and 60 times (Google Scholar); in European Journal of Preventive Cardiology 41 (WoS), 56 (Scopus), and 67 times (Google Scholar); and in European Journal of Heart Failure 76 (WoS), 108 (Scopus), and 230 times (Google Scholar). On average, the top 50 articles in all four journals were cited 41 (WoS), 52 (Scopus, 26% higher citations count than WoS, range 8-42% in the different journals), and 93 times (Google Scholar, 116% higher citation count than WoS, range 42-203%).

CONCLUSION

Scopus and Google Scholar on average have a higher citation count than WoS, whereas the difference is much larger between Google Scholar and WoS.

Impact of severe OSA on pharmacoinvasive treatment in ST elevation myocardial infarction patients

PURPOSE

The negative association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is well documented. However, little is known about the influence of OSA on fibrinolytic therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of severe OSA on pharmacoinvasive treatment in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients.

METHODS

We enrolled consecutive STEMI patients without previous vascular disease, heart failure, or OSA diagnosis. All patients underwent either a pharmacoinvasive therapy or primary PCI. Syntax score (SS) was calculated for all patients, and a full bedside polysomnography was performed in the first 72 h of admission. In-hospital events and 30 days readmissions were analyzed.

RESULTS

The sample included 116 patients, 87 men. Patients with severe OSA were older (p = 0.01), had higher neck and abdominal circumferences (p < 0.01), and had higher BMI (p < 0.01). They also had lower reperfusion rates post-fibrinolysis (20 vs. 65%; p = 0.001), higher SS (20.2 ± 11.2 vs. 14.6 ± 10.6; p = 0.03), lower left ventricle ejection fraction (45 ± 8 vs. 51 ± 10%; p = 0.02), and a higher incidence of atrial arrhythmias (4 vs. 21%; p = 0.02). STEMI patients with severe OSA presented with threefold increase in the risk for at least one adverse outcome. Regression analysis showed that both severe OSA and hypertension were independent predictors of higher SS.

CONCLUSION

Severe OSA was associated with a poor outcome after pharmacoinvasive treatment in STEMI patients.

Highlights in heart failure

Heart failure (HF) remains a major cause of mortality, morbidity, and poor quality of life. It is an area of active research. This article is aimed to give an update on recent advances in all aspects of this syndrome. Major changes occurred in drug treatment of HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Sacubitril/valsartan is indicated as a substitute to ACEi/ARBs after PARADIGM-HF (hazard ratio [HR], 0.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73 to 0.87 for sacubitril/valsartan vs. enalapril for the primary endpoint and Wei, Lin and Weissfeld HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.71-0.89 for recurrent events). Its initiation was then shown as safe and potentially useful in recent studies in patients hospitalized for acute HF. More recently, dapagliflozin and prevention of adverse-outcomes in DAPA-HF trial showed the beneficial effects of the sodium-glucose transporter type 2 inhibitor dapaglifozin vs. placebo, added to optimal standard therapy [HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.65 to 0.85;0.74; 95% CI, 0.65 to 0.85 for the primary endpoint]. Trials with other SGLT 2 inhibitors and in other patients, such as those with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) or with recent decompensation, are ongoing. Multiple studies showed the unfavourable prognostic significance of abnormalities in serum potassium levels. Potassium lowering agents may allow initiation and titration of mineralocorticoid antagonists in a larger proportion of patients. Meta-analyses suggest better outcomes with ferric carboxymaltose in patients with iron deficiency. Drugs effective in HFrEF may be useful also in HF with mid-range ejection fraction. Better diagnosis and phenotype characterization seem warranted in HF with preserved ejection fraction. These and other burning aspects of HF research are summarized and reviewed in this article.

Obstructive sleep apnea: personal, societal, public health, and legal implications

Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a widely prevalent sleep-related breathing disorder, which leads to several life-threatening diseases. OSA has systemic effects on various organ systems. Untreated OSA is associated with long-term health consequences including hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, depression, metabolic disorders, and stroke. In addition, untreated OSA is reported to be associated with cognitive dysfunction, impaired productivity at the workplace and in an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) resulting in injury and fatality. Other consequences of OSA include, but are not limited to, impaired vigilance, daytime somnolence, performance deficits, morning headaches, mood disturbances, neurobehavioral impairments, and general malaise. Additionally, OSA has become an economic burden on most health systems all over the world. Many driving license regulations have been developed to reduce MVAs among OSA patients. Methods Studies of the personal, societal, public health, and legal aspects of OSA are reviewed. Data were collected through the following databases: MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Scopus, SAGE Research Methods, and ScienceDirect. Conclusion OSA leads to worsening of patients' personal relationships, decreasing work productivity, and increasing occupational accidents as well as MVAs. The costs of undiagnosed and untreated OSA to healthcare organizations are excessive. Thus, proper management of OSA will benefit not only the patient but will also provide widespread benefits to the society as a whole.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy Improves Heterogeneity of R-R intervals in a Patient with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with the occurrence of various kinds of bradyarrhythmia and tachyarrhythmia. The activation of the autonomic nerve system is an important causative factor of the pathogenesis of the arrhythmia in OSA patients. Previous studies have shown that the R-R interval is an effective parameter for evaluating autonomic nerve activities. However, whether or not OSA can induce variations in the R-R interval and whether or not continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy can improve these variations in OSA patients are unclear. The present study explored whether or not CPAP therapy could improve the regularity of the R-R interval.

Sleep Disordered Breathing and Cardiovascular Diseases

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB), which causes sleep deprivation, intermittent hypoxia, and negative intrathoracic pressure swings, can be accompanied by other harmful pathophysiologies relating to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including sudden death, atrial fibrillation, stroke, and coronary artery disease leading to heart failure. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for SDB has been reported to provide favorable effects such as lowered systemic blood pressure and improved endothelial function. However, in recent randomized controlled trials, CPAP has failed to demonstrate its beneficial prognostic impact on the primary or secondary setting of CVD. In this review article, we describe the characteristics of SDB complicated with CVD, the prognostic impacts of SDB in CVD, and the beneficial effects of CPAP on CVD.

The Influence of Sleep Apnea on 24-Hour and Nocturnal ECG and Blood Pressure Parameters in Patients with Acute Heart Failure

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influence of sleep apnea (SA) on ECG and blood pressure (BP) monitoring parameters in patients with acute heart failure (AHF).

METHODS

A total of 51 hospitalized patients with AHF (13 women, 38 men, mean age 60.8 years) underwent 24-hour combined monitoring of ECG and BP and SA testing before discharge. Heart rhythm (mean heart rate, arrhythmias, pauses, QT interval, heart rate variability) and BP (mean systolic and diastolic values, variability, circadian variation) parameters were obtained for the whole day and for nighttime (22: 00-06: 00). Depending on SA severity, the patients were divided into two groups (respiratory event index, REI, < 15/h and ≥15/h). Comparisons of parameters between the two groups were performed using t test and χ2 test (alpha < 0.05 for significance).

RESULTS

A total of 29 (56.9%) patients had REI ≥15/h. In this group, the systolic and diastolic BP values (24-hour and nighttime) were significantly higher (p < 0.05). BP variability did not differ, and a markedly blunted circadian variation of both the systolic and diastolic values was observed. In the group with REI ≥15/h, we found a higher nocturnal versus diurnal mean heart rate ratio (p = 0.046) and a greater occurrence of nocturnal versus diurnal ventricular premature beats (p = 0.0098).

CONCLUSION

The presence of significant SA was found to influence the BP values and nocturnal ventricular ectopy in patients with stabilized AHF. SA, 24-hour ECG, and BP monitoring could provide important information with potential impact on patient management.

Mechanisms of reduced sleepiness symptoms in heart failure and obstructive sleep apnea

Patients with both heart failure and obstructive sleep apnea often have poor, repeatedly disrupted sleep, and yet they frequently do not complain of excessive daytime sleepiness. Understanding this lack of perceived sleepiness is crucial for the case identification and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in the heart failure population at high risk of this disease, especially given the association between untreated obstructive sleep apnea and mortality among patients with heart failure. In this review, we present epidemiologic evidence concerning the lack of sleepiness symptoms in heart failure and obstructive sleep apnea, explore possible mechanistic explanations for this relationship, assess the benefits of treatment in this population, discuss implications for clinical practice and explore directions for future research.