Epidemiology

The prevalence of central sleep apnoea (CSA) syndrome varies according to subtype.

  • In patients with congestive heart failure, it is estimated that CSA occurs in 25% to 40% of those with low left ventricular ejection fraction.[1][8][9]​​[10]

  • Prevalence following stroke has been reported to be 1.4% to 19%.[11][12]​​​[13]​​

  • CSA has been reported to occur in up to 30% of patients taking chronic opioids.[14]

  • Primary (idiopathic) CSA is rare, comprising approximately 4% of patients identified with CSA.[15] These patients tend to be middle-aged to older, with more men than women affected.[1]

  • High-altitude periodic breathing occurs in most healthy individuals at altitudes above 13,000 feet (4000 metres), and in some, at lower altitudes.[1][3][16]​​ It is reported to be more frequent in men than in women.[17]

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