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Robotic Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
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Cardioversion of atrial fibrillation does not affect obstructive sleep apnea

Niklas Höglund1, Carin Sahlin2, Milos Kesek1

  • 1a Public Health and Clinical Medicine , Heart Centre, Umeå University , Umeå , Sweden.

Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences
|March 15, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Cardioversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm does not improve obstructive or central sleep apnea in patients. Sleep quality and patterns remain unaffected by the procedure in this patient group.

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.
Abstract

Keywords:
Atrial fibrillationcardioversionpolysomnographysleep apnea

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