Diastolic function and functional capacity after a single session of continuous positive airway pressure in patients with compensated heart failure.

Objective: The effects of acute continuous positive airway pressure therapy on left ventricular diastolic function and functional capacity in patients with compensated systolic heart failure remain unclear.

Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial included 43 patients with heart failure and a left ventricular ejection fraction <0.50 who were in functional classes I-III according to the New York Heart Association criteria.