Clinical and echocardiographic features of heart failure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation

The combination of heart failure, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and atrial fibrillation is a widespread case. Besides, the correlation between these pathologies has not been accurately determined yet. The aim of the research is to determine the specific features of heart failure in patients with atrial fibrillation. Material and Methods. 174 patients were involved in the research. There were people at the age of 75 and younger suffering with heart failure. 116 of them also experienced artrial fibrillation and 58 sinus rhythm. In addition, all the patients involved had hypertension. The patients underwent echocardiography and respiratory monitoring. Results. Statistical analysis showed that atrial fibrillation was a more powerful predictor of the occurrence of obstructive sleep apnea than heart failure. Furthermore, we have found significant peculiarities in relations between the features of heart failure, presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea in the group of the patients with atrial fibrillation. Remodeling of the left heart cameras was more typical for the patients with atrial fibrillation. Conclusion. Heart failure has significant features in patients with atrial fibrillation and obstructive sleep apnea.