Effect of continuous positive airway pressure therapy on circadian patterns of cardiac repolarization in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea: data from a randomized trial

Abstract

In this exploratory study, CPAP treatment led to an overall reduction in the QTc-interval compared with subtherapeutic CPAP. This reduction seems more pronounced during evening hours and in patients with a QTc above 430 ms.

Sleep Apnea and Sudden Cardiac Death

“…69, 70 In a 2018 randomized control trial of patients with OSA, a significant reduction was noted in QTc interval by 11.3 ms with therapeutic CPAP use. 71 The change in QTc interval was most pronounced in patients with baseline QTc >430 ms and during the hours 6 p.m.-12 p.m. 71 That study provides a biological underpinning for how CPAP therapy may influence SCD. In a separate randomized study looking at CPAP therapy for OSA in CHF patients, 1 month of CPAP therapy significantly reduced nocturnal hypoxia, urinary norepinephrine, and ventricular ectopy.…”