CPAP and Chest Pains - one answer

Over the years we have had many threads where people mention a chest pain (tightness) - often just when beginning CPAP therapy.

I used to get it, but have from time to time had it again & wondered why. I don't think I ever saw a well defined & logical explanation & used to think it was the ventilating effect of CPAP over exercising the chest muscles. But, this link has a short description of some symptoms of hyperventilation & listed is ...

"Stiffness in the muscles (including the muscles of the chest, which can lead to a sensation of chest-pain or tightness)"

http://books.google.com.au/books?id=xUR ... &ct=result

That description associated with CPAP and chest pain, comes closest to explaining it to me. I have long believed we CPAPers have 'bouts' of hyperventilation from time to time, perhaps triggered by food reaction or some other pre-sleep influence or just the settings we are running on our bilevels ( a good source of altered breathing rates).

If anyone has any other links that discuss this side-effect please post them.

DSM

#2 NOTE on the next page they offer a test for you to determine if you are hyperventilating (count your breaths in a 1 min period) adding that if you are over 12 BPM you are probably hyperventilating.

Some of us are able to get our avge BPM from our nights data - mine is typically around 14 - may need close looking into.

Whoa oh, DSM!!!!! My Respiratory Rate has been running Median 15, 95th Percentile 18 and Maximum 25. And, as you know, I have COPD.

Plus, I am sure, this book would have been discussing a "normal" resting rate, i.e. not sleeping, just sitting around reading & relaxing. I would think that our average BPM whilst sleeping should be somewhat lower.

Interesting! I had just started attributing my chest pain to the GERD....

Slinky I'm in the same boat as you. My sleeping BPM for the last year has been in the 16 to 18 range (degree of lung damage unclear tho am/was a smoker, SAG suggested to get my PFT redone). Last few nights (after antibiotics for the pneumonia) it's been the lowest ever at 15 BMP. I cannot see the nightly variation, only the average per night. My daytime BMP was around 10 when I measured it once (But i also read that if you're trying to count your BMP you unconsciously slow down your breathing).

They did not notice any hyperventilation during my diagnostic and titration PSG's last year, but then again the titration was hardly a representative night.

Thanks DSM!