Examining the Relationship Between Sleep Apnea and Congestive Heart Failure

1. Non-REM sleep lowers the sympathetic response and increases parasympathetic activity, resulting in a lower heart rate and blood pressure.

a) True
b) False

2. All patients with congestive heart failure should at least be screened for obstructive sleep apnea.

a) True
b) False

3. A common subjective screening tool looking at risk for sleep apnea is called the Epworth Sleepiness Scale.

a) True
b) False

4. The following can be used to treat obstructive sleep apnea in the presence of congestive heart failure:

a) Avoiding alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids
b) Positive airway pressure devices, such as a CPAP/BiPAP
c) Nocturnal use of supplemental oxygen
d) All of the above

5. There is a higher mortality rate in patients with congestive heart failure and undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea compared to those with treated obstructive sleep apnea.

a) True
b) False

6. The following can be used to treat central sleep apnea:

a) Acetazolamide
b) BiPAP with a set backup rate
c) CPAP
d) All of the above

7. In patients with congestive heart failure, central sleep apnea is more prevalent.

a) True
b) False

8. Untreated sleep apnea can:

a) Worsen heart failure
b) Increase risk of mortality
c) Increase sleepiness symptoms
d) All of the above

9. Patients should ideally use their PAP for 4 hours or more nightly to see a significant benefit.

a) True
b) False