Central sleep apnea due to other medical disorders

Abstract

Central sleep apnea (CSA) is associated with range of adverse health outcomes including daytime sleepiness and cardiovascular disease. However, certain forms of CSA can be driven by other disease processes or their treatment. This article highlights the key physiologic components involved in the control of breathing, summarizes the available evidence linking various medical conditions with CSA, and covers the potential underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms involved. In many instances a bidirectional relationship likely exists, such that the primary medical condition causes or worsens the severity and associated symptoms of the CSA while the primary medical condition is exacerbated by the CSA.