Dados do Trabalho

Título

Knowledge of cardiovascular rehabilitation service professionals regarding the occurrence and risks associated with sleep-disordered breathing in individuals with cardiovascular diseases

Introdução

The occurrence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is still underdiagnosed, both in the general population and in those with cardiovascular disease (CVD). In addition, little is known about the knowledge of health professionals about the risks of these disorders, the consequences of negligence in treatment and whether this is a topic addressed during care.

Objetivo

To assess the knowledge of physiotherapists and doctors at a cardiovascular rehabilitation (CVR) service about the occurrence and risks associated with the presence of SDB and CVD in patients undergoing CVR.

Métodos

Physiotherapists and doctors who perform outpatient management of individuals with CVD in a public outpatient clinic were invited to take part in the study and were assessed using an online questionnaire with seven multiple-choice and essay questions. The database was generated by REDcape software and exported to a spreadsheet for analysis to calculate absolute and relative frequencies, descriptive analysis of the answers and the creation of graphs.

Resultados

The sample consisted of 17 physiotherapists and two doctors. In an open question, four (21.1%) professionals mentioned sleep among the clinical manifestations and predictive factors relevant to investigation in individuals with CVD. However, when asked a multiple choice question, 18 (94.7%) marked “quality of sleep” as an important factor for investigation. Fifteen professionals (78.9%) reported that the quality of sleep is a topic addressed in their care through subjective evaluation of whether sleep is good or bad. Ten professionals (52.6%) believed that SDB co-occurs with coronary heart disease and heart failure (HF) between 40 and 60%; 8 (42.1%) believed that the co-occurrence with resistant hypertension was greater than 60%; and with atrial fibrillation (AF), it was indicated by 12 (63.2%) as being between 40 and 60%. Most professionals indicated habitual snoring, body mass index, systemic arterial hypertension and memory deficit as important factors to be assessed in individuals with CVD in order to identify possible SDB. Hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, ventricular arrhythmias, cognitive decline, AF, hypertension, sudden death and ischemic coronary disease were pointed out by more than 50% of the sample as risks that the presence of SDB could bring to individuals with CVD.

Conclusões

Professionals are aware of SDB occurrence and risks, however sleep does not seem to be a topic that is naturally included in their assessments.

Palavras -chave

CVD, SDB