Gender Disparities in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Sleep Apnea

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Sleep Medicine
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Atrial fibrillation (AF) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) exhibit distinct gender-based manifestations.
• These differences may impact treatment strategies and patient adherence.
• Understanding these variations is crucial for effective patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clinical, polysomnographic, and biological characteristics of patients with both AF and OSAS.
• To compare gender-specific differences within this AF-OSAS patient cohort.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, single-center study analyzed consecutive patients diagnosed with AF (paroxysmal or persistent).
• Data collected included anthropometric measurements, clinical parameters, and polysomnography.
• Serum levels of soluble ST2, a biomarker for myocardial fibrosis, were measured.

Main Results:

• The study included 89 AF patients (67% male, mean age 63 years, mean BMI 30 kg/m²), all with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥5 events/hour.
• No significant gender differences were found in BMI, hypersomnolence, or snoring.
• Women exhibited lower arousal and hypoxic burden, while men had higher ST2 levels and AHI.

Conclusions:

• Systematic screening for OSAS in AF patients is essential due to its high prevalence, irrespective of classic symptoms.
• Observed gender disparities in clinical, laboratory, and polysomnographic findings underscore the necessity of tailored diagnostic and management strategies for AF-OSAS patients.