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Cardiac dysrhythmia during sleep in the critically ill: a pilot study
K C Richards1, N Curry, W Lyons
1University of Arkansas College of Nursing, Little Rock, Ark, USA. ajcc@aol.com
Summary
This pilot study found no increased dysrhythmia during sleep in critical care patients with cardiovascular disease. Heart rate slightly decreased during sleep, but less than in healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sleep Medicine
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Limited research exists on hemodynamic status during sleep in critically ill patients.
- Circadian and sleep-related cardiovascular events are not well understood in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate nocturnal angina, myocardial infarction, and sleep.
- To analyze cardiac rhythm, heart rate, and premature contractions during sleep in critical care patients with cardiovascular disease.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive survey was conducted on nine cardiovascular disease patients in a medical intensive care unit.
- Hemodynamic parameters were monitored during one night of sleep.
Main Results:
- No chest pain or changes in cardiac rhythm were observed during sleep stages.
- Mean heart rate decreased by 3-4% during sleep (stages 1 and 2 non-REM) compared to waking.
- No significant differences in premature supraventricular or ventricular contractions were found between sleep stages.
Conclusions:
- This pilot study suggests dysrhythmia does not increase during sleep in critical care patients with cardiovascular disease.
- Heart rate reduction during sleep was less pronounced than in healthy subjects.