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Obstructive Sleep Apnoea As A Risk Factor For Atrial Fibrillation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$64,631.00
Summary
Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and obstructive sleep apnoea is a common sleep-related breathing disorder. It has recently been suggested that OSA increases the risk of developing AF . The aim, therefore of this study, is to determine the incidence of sleep apnoea in our population of highly symtomatic patients with atrial fibrillation and to assess the outcome on arrhythmia burden of treatment with continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP).
Randomized Controlled Trial Of CPAP On Cardiac Function In Patients With Heart Failure And Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$140,906.00
Summary
Heart failure is a very common condition associated with disabling symptoms. The main symptoms are breathlessness, usually during sleep or upon exercise, and fatigue. Recent research has identified that sleep apnoea, a condition that occurs in about 50% of subjects with heart failure, is likely to be responsible for these symptoms. Moreover, treatment specifically aimed at sleep apnoea, namely continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) delived via a small electric pump and nasal mask worn during ....Heart failure is a very common condition associated with disabling symptoms. The main symptoms are breathlessness, usually during sleep or upon exercise, and fatigue. Recent research has identified that sleep apnoea, a condition that occurs in about 50% of subjects with heart failure, is likely to be responsible for these symptoms. Moreover, treatment specifically aimed at sleep apnoea, namely continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) delived via a small electric pump and nasal mask worn during sleep, may also improve the symptoms of heart failure. The study will involve subjects with stable heart failure on optimal drug treatment who have evidence of obstructive sleep apnea on an overnight sleep study. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a condition in which the throat intermittently narrows or blocks during sleep (often associated with snoring) causing cessation of airflow or apnoeas. Associated with the apnoeas are vigorous efforts by the chest muscles to breathe (creating negative vacuum-like pressures within the chest - and around the heart) at a time of falling oxygen levels. Previous research has suggested that these obstructive apnoeas are detrimental to the heart. Volunteers will be randomized to either a control or a CPAP treated group for a three month period. The control and CPAP groups will receive intensive advice about good eating and sleeping habits as weight gain and sleep loss are factors known to aggravate heart failure and obstructive sleep apnoea. In addition to the lifestyle advice, the CPAP group will also be treated with nasal CPAP. The variables which we will measure include severity of sleep apnoea, exercise capacity, heart function at rest and symptoms. Symptoms will be measured using 4 very detailed and validated questionnaires.Read moreRead less