What Is Apnea?
9. Causes and Statistics
CSA can occur due to ventilatory instability and depression of the respiratory centers in the brainstem or chemoreceptors. CSA can be seen in Cheyne Stokes breathing (due to renal failure, stroke, heart failure) or has an underlying disorder (such as diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis), at high altitudes (some may experience it at 5,000 meters or more while almost all develop it at 7,600 meters), and use of central nervous system depressants or opiates.
CSA is uncommon and is estimated to have a prevalence of less than 1% in the general population. It does not have a racial predilection. Males are more likely to be affected compared to females. It also tends to affect middle-aged or elderly individuals and is found to have a higher prevalence among those above the age of 60 years old.
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