Effect of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Frequency of Stroke in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke that is not included in the usual cardioembolic risk assessments for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of OSA on stroke rate in patients with AF. Patients with AF and new diagnosis of OSA were identified from retrospective chart review. Those with a history of stroke at the time of the sleep study were excluded. The primary outcome was the incidence of stroke, determined by a physician investigator blinded to the results of polysomnography.
Source: The American Journal of Cardiology - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: research