Breathing pauses during sleep are observed in many patients with heart muscle weakness and high blood pressure. These pauses in breathing lead to an insufficient supply of oxygen to the body and put the heart and vessels under particular stress. In many cases, a breathing mask can regulate breathing during sleep. This mitigates the effects of oxygen deprivation, reduces blood pressure and often alleviates daytime fatigue. Weight reduction should be aimed for in most patients with sleep apnoea.
