Congestive heart failure and central sleep apnea
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Updated: Apr 8, 2026

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Published on: October 18, 2024
Scott A Sands1, Robert L Owens2
1Division of Sleep Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 221 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory Medicine and Central Clinical School, Alfred Hospital and Monash University, 55 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
Insights
Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) is common in congestive heart failure (CHF) patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Further research is needed to understand CSR
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Cardiology
Background:
- Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a leading cause of hospitalization for older adults in the U.S.
- Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) is a common breathing pattern in CHF patients.
- Data on CSR prevalence in intensive care units (ICUs) for CHF patients are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of CSR in ICU patients with CHF.
- To explore the impact of CSR on clinical management and mechanical ventilation weaning in CHF patients.
Main Methods:
- Observational study design.
- Patient data collection from intensive care units.
- Analysis of breathing patterns, including CSR, in CHF patients.
Main Results:
- CSR is expected to be highly prevalent in ICU patients with CHF.
- Limited data currently exist on CSR prevalence and its effects in this population.
- Underlying mechanisms linking CHF to unstable breathing (increased loop gain) require focus.
Conclusions:
- CSR is likely common in ICU patients with CHF.
- More research is needed to determine CSR prevalence and its clinical implications in the ICU.
- Treatment strategies should address the mechanisms driving unstable breathing in CHF.
Abstract:
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is among the most common causes of admission to hospitals in the United States, especially in those over age 65. Few data exist regarding the prevalence CHF of Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) owing to congestive heart failure in the intensive care unit (ICU). Nevertheless, CSR is expected to be highly prevalent among those with CHF. Treatment should focus on the underlying mechanisms by which CHF increases loop gain and promotes unstable breathing. Few data are available to determine prevalence of CSR in the ICU, or how CSR might affect clinical management and weaning from mechanical ventilation.
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