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Obstructive apneas immediately impact atrial hemodynamics and arrhythmias
Lisa A Gottlieb1, Katharina Friederichs1, Anna Paaske Buhring1
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Heart Rhythm
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Release from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) significantly increases atrial arrhythmias and alters heart pressures in pigs. These findings link OSA to atrial fibrillation (AF) mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sleep Medicine
- Physiology
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently coexist.
- OSA induces pressure changes in the thorax, mechanically stimulating the atria.
- Atrial stretching is a known facilitator of AF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of obstructive apnea onset and release on atrial arrhythmia occurrence.
- To assess the effects on bi-atrial hemodynamics in an animal model.
Main Methods:
- Simulated obstructive apnea using negative upper airway pressure in anesthetized pigs.
- Quantified atrial premature complexes via electrocardiography.
- Assessed atrial hemodynamics using intra-atrial pressures and dynamic CT scans.
Main Results:
- Atrial premature complexes were most frequent upon apnea release (p < 0.010).
- Apnea release significantly increased right (30%) and left (32%) atrial volumes.
- Right atrial pressure increased, and estimated atrial wall tension rose during and after apnea.
Conclusions:
- Apnea release is linked to significant atrial hemodynamic changes and increased arrhythmia burden in pigs.
- This provides insights into the disease mechanisms of OSA-related AF in humans.
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