Sleep-related Breathing Disorders in Cardiological Outpatients

Sleep-related Breathing Disorders in Cardiological Outpatients From a German University Clinic - Prevalence, Classification, Diagnostic Accuracy

The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) in clinically stable cardiologic outpatients of a German university clinic by means of polygraphy.

Furthermore, the practicability of the underlying diagnostic process in clinical application is assessed as well as the sensitivity and specificity of polygraphy as compared to the reference standard of polysomnography. Another aim is to determine the individual cardiovascular risk profile by pulse wave analysis and risk classification according to European Society of Hypertension (ESH) and European Society of Cardiology (ESC), "ESH/ESC risk".

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥18 years
• Present chronic cardiovascular disease (incl. but not limited to: ischemic heart disease, arterial hypertension, heart failure, atrial fibrillation)
• Current clinically stable state (incl. patients after a cardiovascular-related, emergency hospital admission and subsequent recompensation towards the end of their hospital stay

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age <18 years
• Acute life-threatening disease (incl. but not limited to:instable angina pectoris, acute bronchial asthma, heart failure New York Heart Association (NYHA) stage IV, myocardial infarction, exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Malignant disease requiring treatment)
• Pregnancy and/or lactation
• Any medical, psychological or other condition impairing the patient's ability to provide informed consent