Prevalence of Cheyne-Stokes respiration in modern treated congestive heart failure.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of sleep breathing disorders in patients with congestive heart failure is relevantly high. According to historical studies Cheyne-Stokes respiration is an oscillatory ventilation during sleep in up to 40% of patients with congestive heart failure. During the last decade the medical treatment of congestive heart failure has been improved. The aim of this investigation was to analyze the prevalence of Cheyne-Stokes respiration in patients with congestive heart failure and modern medical treatment.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: In 50 patients with severe congestive heart failure receiving modern medical treatment a full night polysomnography was performed. All patients had ss-blockers and angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin-II-antagonists as standard treatment. The mean age was 63 +/- 12 years and the mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 26 +/- 6%. Respiratory polygraphy revealed Cheyne-Stokes respiration with a respiratory disturbance index of > or =5/h sleep in 32 (64%) of the seven female and 43 male patients. The prevalence of Cheyne-Stokes respiration defined by using the threshold of an apnea index of > or =10/h was 30%.

CONCLUSION: Thus, no significant change of Cheyne-Stokes prevalence could be found in our modern treated severe congestive heart failure collective.