Posted on 09/15/2022 9:09:00 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
Consistent use of CPAP treatment in patients with known heart disease and newly diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea is associated with a lower likelihood of rehospitalization, according to a study.
Results show that the risk of 30-day hospital readmission among those with cardiovascular disease and high adherence to CPAP for sleep apnea was 60% lower relative to those with low adherence to CPAP. The results highlight the importance of screening for and treating obstructive sleep apnea among individuals with cardiovascular disease, the authors wrote.
Nearly 30 million adults in the U.S. have obstructive sleep apnea, a chronic disease that involves repeated collapse of the upper airway during sleep. It is found in 40%-60% of people diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. Obstructive sleep apnea is commonly treated with CPAP therapy, which uses mild levels of air pressure, provided through a mask, to keep the airway open during sleep.
The retrospective cohort study looked at Medicare recipients with cardiovascular disease who were newly diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea between 2009 and 2013, initiated CPAP, and were hospitalized. Of the 1,301 patients who met the study criteria, the mean age was 73 years, and 53% were men. The 30-day readmission rate over the two-year period following CPAP initiation was 10.2%. Thirty-three percent of the study sample had low CPAP adherence, 38% had partial adherence, and 28.5% had high adherence. Relative to low adherence, Medicare beneficiaries with high adherence were 60% less likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
Hospital visits are usually due to an emergency. Clinic visits are usually due to planning.
Yep, I had heart failure in 2017, successfully treated with a pacemaker. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea in early 2020, though likely had it for many years. Now I wear a CPAP mask every night, and have few obstructive events when sleeping.
I had to experiment with a lot of mask types before I found one that really works, nearly every one that ResMed makes. Since my insurance will only pay for one type at a time, I had to buy the others out of pocket.
CPAP is all prescription only, but if you order all the separate mask parts as supply replacements, no prescription is needed.
I have a CPAP. I don’t use it, or haven’t used it in over a year. I HATE IT. The suction sounds, the aerial roar in the my ears. The heavy tubings. The Dry, Dry Mouth in the later and morning. All this keeps me awake. The buttons and the dials.
I know all this is petty stuff if it works for you.
I am still looking for alternatives.
The CPAP is from the VA. They refused to take it back.
I have decided to ‘never say never’, so I keep it for now.
I have not ruled out giving it another three week trial.
I had hoped to provide it to another Vet who wanted one.
They are very expensive when new. $900. +
Getting a CPAP was the best thing I’ve ever done. And I had covid at the very beginning. Used mine sitting in a recliner all day long. It was perfect and I’m convinced it helped get me through.
The study, according to the excerpt, was limited to symptoms and readmission rates. Low readmission rates can indicate a combination of two things: survival & death.
Clinical sleep studies would be more helpful.
I have successfully used a CPAP for some 25 years and it made a huge difference in my life. I have taken my CPAP camping, traveled to France and Australia with my CPAP and use it faithfully every night wherever I am. The secret is getting a good fitting comfortable mask. Sure the hose and machine are an inconvenience, but you get used to it and a CPAP can be literally life saving.
International travel takes a bit of planning… primarily finding the right adapter to connect your machine to the county’s wall plugs, but most CPAPs will have no problem with the 220 volt 50Hz power in foreign countries. Most international customs agents are aware of CPAPs and don’t give you any problem when inspecting your bags, but be prepared. I did have some questions at Paris de Gualle airport, but I speak French and was able to quickly explain my CPAP.
Agreed, the best health-related step I've ever taken was to get a sleep study (2005) and to follow through with 100 percent cpap (I prefer the Apap) compliance.
They told me at my pulmonologist's office that I've likely had obstructive sleep apnea most of my life. I since traced it back to a childhood faceplant injury when I was in elementary school about 1958.
APAP therapy changed my life dozens of mostly unexpected ways, all positive.
And, sleep apnea is UNDER diagnosed by millions of Americans.
Ask your physician for a sleep study!
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