Impaired Baroreflex Sensitivity and Nocturnal Periodic Breathing in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

摘要

Nocturnal Periodic Breathing is a common finding in severe Chronic Heart Failure (CHF). Patients (pts) with left ventricular dysfunction can exhibit impairment of baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) or heart rate variability (HRV).rnWe studied 48 pts aged 57±8 years with CHF in stable phase (EF=23±6%). All pts underwent a sleep study to assess the occurrence of periodic breathing, and a phenylephrine test to evaluate BRS; 36 patients had also a 24 hour ambulatory electrocardiogram recording to measure HRV.rnNocturnal Periodic Breathing was recorded in 75% of patients, BRS was markedly depressed in 60% of patients, HRV was reduced in 58% of patients. Significant correlations were found between %PB and left ventricle EF (p=0.016), BRS (p=0.0002), HRV (p=0.0001), and nocturnal oxygen desaturation (p=0.0001).rnNocturnal Periodic Breathing is frequently associated with abnormal autonomic control of cardiac function in patients suffering from chronic heart failure.