Ventricular Premature Contractions and Sleep Apnea
Author Information
Author(s): Watanabe Mari A MD, PhD, Bhalodia Rajeshkumar MD, Lundequam Eric J BME, Domitrovich Peter P PhD, Steinmeyer Brian C MS, Stein Phyllis K PhD, Freedland Kenneth E PhD, Duntley Stephen P MD, Carney Robert M PhD
Primary Institution: St. Louis University
Hypothesis
Ventricular premature contraction (VPC) frequency would correlate with measures of apnea and sympathetic activity.
Conclusion
Higher VPC frequency in REM sleep may contribute to increased nocturnal death in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
Supporting Evidence
- VPC frequency was significantly affected by sleep stage and apnea severity.
- In Severe apnea patients, VPC frequency was higher in REM than in Wake.
- Oxygen desaturation duration per apnea episode correlated positively with AHI.
Takeaway
Patients with sleep apnea have more heart rhythm problems during certain sleep stages, especially when they are in deep sleep.
Methodology
Electrocardiograms from a sleep study of 125 patients with coronary artery disease were evaluated, categorized by apnea-hypopnea index into Moderate or Severe apnea groups.
Potential Biases
The population was selected for a depression study, which may introduce bias.
Limitations
The study may not be representative of all coronary disease patients, and timing of VPCs relative to apnea events could not be studied.
Participant Demographics
Patients with coronary artery disease, categorized by apnea severity.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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