Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 30, 2026

Lumped-Parameter and Finite Element Modeling of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Published on: February 13, 2021
Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea on Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Takuo Arikawa1, Shigeru Toyoda1, Akiko Haruyama1
1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, 321-0293 Mibu, Japan.
Background:
The impact of obstructive sleep apnoea on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is unknown.
Methods:
Fifty-eight patients who had heart failure with a left ventricular ejection fraction; ≥50% underwent a sleep study. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels were determined at enrolment and at one, six, 12 and 36 months after enrolment.
Results:
Obstructive sleep apnoea was found in 39 patients (67%), and they were all subsequently treated with continuous positive airway pressure. Echocardiography at admission showed that E/E' tended to be higher in the 39 patients with, than in the 19 patients without, obstructive sleep apnoea (15.0±3.6 vs 12.1±1.9, respectively, P=0.05). The median BNP levels at enrolment were similar in patients with and without obstructive sleep apnoea [median (interquartile range): 444 (233-752) vs 316 (218-703) pg/ml]. Although BNP levels decreased over time in both groups, the reduction was less pronounced in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (P<0.05). Consequently, BNP levels were higher in patients with sleep apnoea at six months, [221 (137-324) vs 76 (38-96) pg/ml, P<0.05], 12 months [123 (98-197) vs 52 (38-76) pg/ml, P<0.05] and 36 months [115 (64-174) vs 56 (25-74) pg/ml, P<0.05].
Conclusion:
Obstructive sleep apnoea, even when treated appropriately, may worsen long-term cardiac function and outcomes in patients who have heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
Related Concept Videos
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
Heart Failure I: Introduction
Sleep Apnea
The condition is more prevalent among...
Heart Failure Drugs: β-Blockers
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

