Sleep-disordered breathing and chronic atrial fibrillation
1Sleep Institute, Psychobiology Department, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Rua Marselhesa 524, Vila Clementino, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; Cardiology Section, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Brazil. betabs@ig.com.br
Sleep Medicine
|February 19, 2008
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is more common in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) than in the general population. This study found a higher prevalence of OSA and worse oxygen saturation in AF patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sleep Medicine
- Pulmonology
Background:
- The prevalence of sleep apnea in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients is not well understood.
- Increasing AF prevalence suggests a link with sleep-disordered breathing.
- This study hypothesizes a higher prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in AF patients compared to the general population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the frequency of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in a sample of chronic AF patients.
- To compare OSA frequency in AF patients versus a control group from the general population.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-two chronic AF patients and 32 controls underwent polysomnography.
- Subjects were evaluated by a cardiologist for pre-existing conditions.
- Statistical analysis included ANOVA and Chi-square tests with an alpha of 0.05.
Main Results:
- AF patients had a higher neck circumference than controls (39.9cm vs. 37.7cm).
- The AF group exhibited a higher frequency of OSA (AHI >= 10/hour) at 81.6% versus 60% in controls.
- AF patients showed significantly worse oxygen saturation parameters, including lower SaO2 nadir and mean SaO2.
Conclusions:
- Sleep-disordered breathing, specifically OSA, is more prevalent in chronic AF patients.
- Results indicate a significant association between AF and increased OSA frequency.
- Findings highlight the importance of screening for sleep apnea in AF patients.
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