Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac rhythm disorder. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is four times more common among patients with AF than without. OSA has been associated with a greater recurrence rate of AF after initially successful treatment of AF and treatment of OSA reduces recurrence of AF. To identify the underlying mechanisms, we aim to determine effects of OSA on atrial electrical activation and to characterize sleep apnea in AF patients in a more precise way.
The Role Of Sedatives And Arousal In Obstructive Sleep Apnoea – Pathophysiology And Therapeutic Utility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,218.00
Summary
Recent studies indicate that certain sleeping pills (sedatives) may actually reduce obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) severity in some patients. This research aims to determine the: 1) characteristics of patients who are most likely to respond to this novel approach. 2) effects of commonly prescribed sedatives on upper airway function and breathing during sleep. 3) utility for a sedative to yield sustained reductions in OSA severity and daytime sleepiness in the appropriately selected OSA patients.