Cheyne-Stokes respirations are often associated with which condition?

• A. Asthma
• B. Heart failure
• C. Pneumonia
• D. Obstructive sleep apnea

Answer: (B)

Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by a pattern of alternating periods of deep, rapid breathing followed by periods of apnea. This distinctive pattern is frequently observed in patients with heart failure, particularly in those experiencing severe left-sided heart failure or decompensated heart failure. The cycle of hyperventilation followed by apnea can be attributed to fluctuations in carbon dioxide levels and the body's compensatory responses. In cardiac conditions, reduced perfusion to the brain can lead to irregular breathing patterns, making Cheyne-Stokes respirations a direct result of the impact that heart failure has on the body's respiratory drive.

While the other conditions listed, such as asthma, pneumonia, and obstructive sleep apnea, can influence respiratory patterns, they are typically associated with different types of abnormal breathing. Asthma may cause wheezing and shortness of breath due to airway constriction, pneumonia is linked to rapid and shallow breathing due to infection and inflammation in the lungs, and obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep primarily due to airway obstruction. Cheyne-Stokes respirations are distinctively tied to heart failure due to its pathophysiological effects on heart function and brain blood flow.