Clinical research in cardiology : official journal of the German Cardiac Society
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Observational Study
Cardioversion of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter into sinus rhythm reduces nocturnal central respiratory events and unmasks obstructive sleep apnoea.
Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), in particular obstructive sleep apnoea, is associated with an increased risk of onset or recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter. This prospective study investigated the relationship between restoration of sinus rhythm and SDB in patients with AF or atrial flutter. ⋯ In conclusion, SDB represents a highly prevalent comorbidity in patients with atrial arrhythmias. Through cardioversion, an immediate reduction of SDB can be detected due to a significant reduction in central respiratory events.