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Updated: May 16, 2026
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Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
Association between QRS duration and obstructive sleep apnea.
Shuchita Gupta1, Beatriz Cepeda-Valery, Abel Romero-Corral
1Department of Internal Medicine, Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to longer QRS duration, a marker of heart electrical activity. This association was significant in women, suggesting potential arrhythmic risks in patients with OSA.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sleep Medicine
- Electrocardiography
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and prolonged QRS duration are independently linked to adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
- The relationship between OSA and QRS duration has not been previously investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and QRS duration.
- To determine if OSA severity correlates with QRS duration.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 221 patients who underwent polysomnography.
- Collected demographic data, cardiovascular risk factors, and ECG parameters.
- Analyzed the correlation between apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and QRS duration.
Main Results:
- A positive correlation was found between AHI and QRS duration (r = 0.141, p = 0.03).
- Mean QRS duration significantly increased with OSA severity (p = 0.001).
- Severe OSA was associated with a higher prevalence of prolonged QRS duration (≥100 ms), particularly in women.
Conclusions:
- QRS duration and OSA severity are significantly associated.
- OSA independently predicts prolonged QRS duration in women.
- Prolonged QRS duration in OSA patients may increase arrhythmic risks.
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