In a nutshell
This study aimed to determine the impact of overnight (nocturnal) supplemental oxygen and continuous positive airway pressure in patients with coronary heart disease and obstructive sleep apnea.
This study concluded that patients who receive these treatments have improvements in health-related quality of life.
Some background
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the build-up of plaque in the coronary arteries that deliver blood to the heart. It can affect the functioning of the heart. Around 30% of patients with CHD experience obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA causes breathing to stop and start during sleep. It can impair the health-related quality of life (HRQL) for those who have it. HRQL includes physical, mental, emotional and social functioning.
Treatments for OSA include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and nocturnal supplemental oxygen (NSO). CPAP involves the use of a machine to aid breathing. It increases the pressure in the throat and prevents the airway from collapsing. NSO helps with breathing during the night and ensures the body is getting enough oxygen to function properly.
It was unknown what impact NSO and CPAP had in patients with CHD and OSA.
Methods & findings
This study involved 318 patients who had CHD or at least three major CHD risk factors and a certain sleep apnea score. Patients were split into three groups. One received CPAP and one received NSO. The third group was given healthy lifestyle education (HLSE). The effect of treatment on HRQL and depression was assessed using questionnaires over twelve weeks.
HRQL was similar for all groups at the start of the study. The CPAP group had a greater improvement in mental health when compared to the NSO group. The CPAP group had less improvement in physical function when compared to the NSO group.
Energy levels and other HRQL factors improved with CPAP when compared to HLSE, but did not improve with NSO when compared to HSLE.
The bottom line
This study concluded that treatment with NSO or CPAP patients with CHD and OSA can improve HRQL.
The fine print
A limitation to this study is that the long-term impact of therapy on HRQL cannot be assessed.
What’s next?
Consult your physician about NSO and CPAP treatment options.
Published By :
American heart journal
Date :
Jul 01, 2017
