It is interesting to hear that you are working on a sleep related study for those with heart problems. More and more research is being done in this area. I have read research papers and heard speeches done by a Dr. Javaheri who is known world wide for his work on heart disorders caused by sleep apnea.
As you may know, the typical problem heart failure patients have with sleeping is when they develop pulmonary edema. If the heart is not pumping sufficient quantities of blood, the blood backs up into the lungs and fluids leaches out into the tissues surrounding the aveoli (air sacks) in the lungs. Pressure builds up in the lungs and it becomes very hard to breath. I can well remember the nights I have had when I could not sleep more than 30 to 60 minutes without waking up with a terrible dry hacking cough because of this problem. Sitting up helps relieve the pressure and makes breathing easier. That's why many heart failure patients use 2-3 pillows or may find that they can only sleep well in a recliner where they are proppped up and can breath.
Dr. Javaheri's research has also shown that sleep apnea can be a cause of heart failure. Sleep apnea is the frequent cessation of breathing during sleep which robs the heart of essential oxygen flow, damagaes the heart tissues, and causes irregular heart rhythms. He has also shown that quite a high percentage of heart failure patients suffer from sleep apnea and that this causes a further deterioration in their Heart Failure condition. There are some who believe that as many as 50 per cent of those who have been diagnosed with "Idiopathic Cardiomyopathy" (unexplained Heart Failure) may have sleep apnea as an underlying cause for their Heart Failure. It is my understanding that there are a number of treatments for sleep apnea including weight loss, smoking cessation, medication, surgery, and the use of a "CPAP" (constant air pressure)device.
I have urged all of the members of our Support Groups to consult with their doctor's about undergoing a sleep study to see if they suffer from this dibilitating condition.
Posted on Jan 31, 2002, 7:56 PM from IP address 64.154.99.77