Sleep apnea syndrome and heart failure—mechanisms and consequences

Heart failure (HF) remains a major public health issue despite advances in treatment, being associated with increased morbidity and mortality, multiple hospitalization and, implicitly, very high economic costs. Therefore, it becomes increasingly important to identify and treat factors or comorbidities that contribute to the progression of HF. Breathing disorders during sleep (sleep-disordered breathing), especially sleep apnea syndrome, obstructive or central form, may be one of these factors.