NONINVASIVE VENTILATION IN HEART FAILURE ASSOCIATED WITH SLEEP APNEA

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to review the literature on the use of Noninvasive Ventilation (NIV) as a non-pharmacological treatment in respiratory care to patients with sleep apnea syndrome in cases associated with severe heart failure (HF). Material and Methods: This is an integrative literature review comprising a sample 19 articles from journals in the field of health, available from the databases Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), PubMED and Science Direct, published between 1999 and 2012. A combination of the following descriptors was used: heart failure, noninvasive ventilation and sleep apnea syndromes. Results: Data were analyzed through the technique of content analysis. Studies have shown that NIV reduces premature ventricular beats; improves the ejection fraction of the left ventricle (LV), saturation of oxygen in arterial blood (SO2), as well as central and obstructive sleep apnea. Moreover, it contributes to improved quality of life and reduced mortality in these patients. Conclusion: Various studies indicate that the effects of NIV in patients with HF seem to be promising in the treatment of stable cardiac disease, especially in cases with concomitant sleep disturbance. DESCRIPTORS Noninvasive Ventilation. Heart Failure. Sleep Apnea.