Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 11, 2026

Author Spotlight: Utilizing Traditional Chinese Acupuncture of the Ear to Improve Sleep Disorders
Published on: August 18, 2023
Positive pressure therapy in patients with cardiac arrhythmias and obstructive sleep apnea
Background:
Positive pressure therapy (CPAP) in patients with cardiac arrhythmias and obstructive sleep apnea (OSAS) may have favorable effects by correcting intermittent hypoxemia and sympathetic activation.
Objective:
To assess the effect of CPAP added to pharmacological treatment in the rate control and prevention of arrhythmias recurrence in patients with OSA.
Materials And Methods:
Prospective, interventional study study which included patients diagnosed with OSAS (cardiorespiratorypolygraphy, AHI>5/hour), and arrhythmias (ECG, Holter ECG), divided in two groups: group A (pharmacological therapy only) and group B (pharmacological therapy and CPAP). The patients were evaluated at enrollment (T0), at 3 and 6 months (T3 and T6) regarding the type, severity and recurrence of cardiac arrhythmias.
Results:
36 patients (31 men), mean age: 63.2 ± 12 years were enroled. In group A: 7 patients with ventricular extrasystoles, 8 with permanent atrial fibrillation, 1 patient with atrial flutter and 2 patients with paroxystic supraventricular tachycardia. In group B: 8 patients with ventricular extrasystoles, 5 with permanent atrial fibrillation, 2 patients with recurrent episodes of atrial fibrillation and 3 with paroxystic supraventricular tachycardia. A positive correlation (r: 0.74, p < 0.001) between Oxygen Desaturation Index and AHI was found. At T6, 12 patients from group B, and 18 from group A were evaluated. In group B, the mean heart rate in patients with atrial fibrillation was 69/min., lower than in group A (82/min.), no cases with recurrent atrial fibrillation were found, and more patients with class II Lown ventricular extrasystoles passed in class I Lown, compared to group A. In group B, heart rate statistically correlated with AHI (r: 0.53, p < 0.005).
Conclusion:
In patients with OSAS, adding CPAP to pharmacological therapy has favorable effects on preventing recurrences, heart rate control in patients with atrial fibrillation and in reducing frequency and/or severity of ventricular extrasystoles.
More Related Videos
07:54Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy DISE with Target Controlled Infusion TCI and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
04:53Author Spotlight: Traditional Chinese Medicine for Sleep Disorders in Acute COPD — A Safe, Cost-Effective Approach
Published on: October 18, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Sleep Apnea
The condition is more prevalent among...
Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Failure
Oxygen therapy is vital in increasing and maintaining blood oxygen levels in PAH patients. As a result, it aids in reducing fatigue,...
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
Chest Physiotherapy
Purpose
CPT is primarily used for patients with excessive bronchial secretions who have difficulty clearing...