In older men, central sleep apnea and Cheyne Stokes respiration predicted increased atrial fibrillation risk, with findings strongest in older participants in whom overall sleep-disordered breathing also increased atrial fibrillation risk, finds a study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Methods: A cohort (n=843) of ambulatory older men without prevalent atrial fibrillation was assessed for baseline sleep indices: apnea hypopnea index, central sleep apnea (central apnea index?5 vs. <5), central sleep apnea or Cheyne Stokes Respiration, obstructive apnea hypopnea index, and percentage sleep time with <90% oxygen saturation.
