Cardioversion of atrial fibrillation does not affect obstructive sleep apnea.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Sleep Medicine
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequently associated with sleep apnea.
• The impact of restoring sinus rhythm in AF patients on sleep apnea severity remains largely uncharacterized.
• This study investigates the relationship between AF cardioversion and sleep apnea.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if cardioversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm affects obstructive and central sleep apnea.
• To assess the influence of cardioversion on sleep quality in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-three patients with persistent atrial fibrillation underwent overnight polysomnography with esophageal pressure monitoring and ECG.
• Data were collected before and after cardioversion to restore sinus rhythm.
• Sleep parameters and apnea indices were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was present in 74% and central sleep apnea (CSA) in 26% of patients.
• No significant differences were observed in obstructive apnea-hypopnea index or central apnea-hypopnea index before and after cardioversion.
• Sleep quality metrics, including sleep efficiency and time in sleep stages, were unaffected.

Conclusions:

• Obstructive and central sleep apneas are highly prevalent in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation.
• Cardioversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm does not appear to improve obstructive or central sleep apnea.
• Sleep patterns in these patients are generally normal and remain unchanged post-cardioversion.