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Nocturnal Cardiac Ischemia

Description

Nocturnal cardiac ischemia is characterized by a decrease in the blood supply to the middle muscular layer of the heart wall occurring during the major sleep episode.

Diagnosis

Nocturnal cardiac ischemia can produce a feeling of pressure during sleep, which may be described as “vice-like” or a “clenched fist feeling” in the center of the chest. The pain or pressure may radiate from the chest up to the chin and jaw and also to the arms, especially the left arm. The pain and pressure keeps patients up during the night. These symptoms may also be present during daytime hours and may be associated with the activity that is being performed at that time. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome appear to have a higher prevalance of nocturnal cardiac ischemia than the general population.

Treatment

Sorry, there currently is no treatment for this condition. Please check back often as researchers are discovering new treatments for sleep conditions every day.

Source: Adapted from International Classification of Sleep Disorders Diagnostic & Coding Manual, American Academy of Sleep Medicine.