What is a common association with sleep disorder breathing in heart failure patients?

Sleep disorder breathing, particularly obstructive sleep apnea, is frequently linked to heart failure patients. This connection is due to the significant physiological changes that occur during apneic episodes, such as periodic drops in oxygen saturation and increased workload on the heart. These episodes can lead to both hypertension and arrhythmias, which are common in individuals with heart failure.

Hypertension may arise from the sympathetic activation and increased systemic vascular resistance caused by disrupted sleep patterns and hypoxia. Additionally, arrhythmias can occur due to the strain on the heart and the resulting electrical instability that may manifest during episodes of sleep-disordered breathing.

While managing heart failure often improves symptoms of heart failure, the presence of sleep disorder breathing tends to exacerbate the condition rather than provide a reduction in symptoms or improvements in exercise tolerance. Hence, recognizing the risks associated with sleep disorder breathing is crucial in the comprehensive management of heart failure patients.