Obstructive sleep apnea is independently associated with worse diastolic function in coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Diastolic dysfunction is common in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). We hypothesize that patients with CAD and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) will have worse diastolic function than similar patients without OSA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed sleep-study recordings and echocardiographic measurements obtained at baseline in a randomized controlled trial (RICCADSA) of revascularized patients with CAD who had LVEF of at least 50%. OSA was defined as an apnea-hypopnea-index (AHI) ≥15 events/h, and, no OSA, as an AHI <5. Worse diastolic function was defined as assumed elevated left ventricular filling pressure based on peak flow velocity in early diastole/Tissue Doppler of early diastolic ventricular filling (E/é) of >13 (or >9 in patients with an enlarged left atrial diameter [≥39 mm for women and ≥40 mm for men]). RESULTS: Data from 431 patients were evaluated (mean age: 63.7 ± 8.8 y; men: 82.5%; OSA: n = 331). Worse diastolic function was more common among the patients with OSA than those without (54.4% vs 41.0%, p = 0.019). In multivariate analysis, OSA was associated with worse diastolic function (odds ratio [OR] 1.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13; 3.18) adjusted for female sex (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.28; 4.07), hypertension (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.20; 2.82), and diabetes mellitus (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.42; 4.23). Age ≥60 years, obesity, and current smoking were nonsignificant. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort with CAD and preserved LVEF, OSA was associated with worse diastolic function independent of the traditionally recognized risk indicators.

Evaluation of an individualised programme to promote self-care in sleep-activity in patients with coronary artery disease -- a randomised intervention study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of an individualised programme to promote self-care in sleep-activity in patients with coronary artery disease. BACKGROUND: Recent scientific findings have shown that low physical exercise and stress interfere with coronary artery disease patients' sleep quality and sleep efficiency independent of gender, age and co-morbidity. DESIGN: A randomised pretest-post-test control design. METHODS: Forty-seven patients who had undergone a coronary revascularisation procedure and/or pharmacological treatment three to seven weeks earlier at a general hospital were randomised to either an intervention group or a control group. Data collection was carried out by questionnaires, a study-specific sleep diary and actigraphy registration for 10 consecutive 24-hour periods, with a follow-up after three to four months. The intervention group underwent a nurse-led individualised education programme to promote self-care of sleep-activity. Sleep habits and sleep-related lifestyle together formed the basis for setting up individual goals together with the nurse. Individual advice on physical training, relaxation exercise and a CD-based relaxation programme was provided by a physiotherapist. Both groups received a brochure about sleep and stress. RESULTS: At a three- to four-month follow-up, the main improvements were seen in the intervention group regarding sleep quality, sleep duration and sleep efficiency in the sleep diary and sleep efficiency in actigraphy. Statistical improvements in health-related quality of life were revealed. This was not so obvious in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: An individualised intervention programme to promote self-care of sleep-activity including relaxation in patients with coronary artery disease led by a nurse may improve sleep quality. However, a longitudinal study to promote self-care in sleep-activity should be performed using a larger sample and multiple sites with continuous follow-ups to determine whether any positive effects remain stable over time. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Implementation of a multiprofessional individualised programme to promote self-care of sleep-activity including relaxation based on patients' needs, supported by a healthcare team and led by nurses, is important in clinical practice.

Occurrence and predictors of obstructive sleep apnea in a revascularized coronary artery disease cohort.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge about the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in coronary artery disease (CAD) is insufficient. The aim of the current report was to evaluate the occurrence and predictors of OSA among revascularized patients with CAD within the framework of a randomized controlled trial (Randomized Intervention with CPAP in Coronary Artery Disease and Sleep Apnea [RICCADSA]), evaluating the impact of continuous positive airway pressure on cardiovascular outcomes in CAD patients with OSA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting between September 2005 and November 2010 (n = 1,291) were invited to participate. Anthropometrics and medical history were obtained, ambulatory sleep recording was performed, and all subjects completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) questionnaire. RESULTS: In total, 662 patients participated in the sleep study. OSA, defined as an apnea-hypopnea index equal to or greater than 15/hour, was found among 422 (63.7%). The prevalence of hypertension was 55.9%; obesity (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m²), 25.2%; diabetes mellitus, 22.1%; and current smoking, 18.9%. The patients with CAD who did not participate in the study demonstrated an almost similar anthropometric and clinical profile compared with the studied group. The majority (61.8%) of the patients with OSA were nonsleepy (ESS score < 10). Patients with OSA had a higher prevalence of obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and history of atrial fibrillation, whereas current smoking was more common in the non-OSA group. Age, male sex, body mass index, and ESS score, but not comorbidities, were independent predictors of OSA. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of unrecognized OSA in this revascularized CAD cohort was higher than previously reported. We suggest that OSA should be considered in the secondary prevention protocols in CAD.

Sleep, arousal and health-related quality of life in men and women with coronary artery disease.

AIM: To evaluate whether there are gender differences in insomnia, sleep quality, sleep efficiency (%), general arousal, disease-specific and health-related quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease, compared with an age- and gender-matched randomly selected group from the general population. BACKGROUND: There are gender difference effects of sleep disturbances in the general population, but this perspective among patients with coronary artery disease has been poorly analysed. DESIGN: In this prospective study, comparative, descriptive and model testing designs were used. METHOD: The patients with coronary artery disease, 556 men and 324 women aged 25-86, were compared with a matched population-based group. Data were collected by validated and reliability-tested questionnaires. RESULTS: The prevalence of severe insomnia varied between 17-44% in all four groups. The severe insomniac coronary artery disease patients displayed a two- or threefold higher presleep arousal, had two hours shorter nocturnal sleep duration/night and were more limited in their physical exercise level than the population-based group. Gender differences in sleep quality, sleep efficiency (%) and general arousal disappeared with increased insomnia severity. CONCLUSIONS: Independent of gender, age and comorbidity, physical exercise, general arousal behaviour and delayed poststress recovery after mental stress were found to have a negative impact on the coronary artery disease patients' sleep quality and sleep efficiency (%), interfering with their health-related quality of life. The variables significantly explained 41% of the sleep quality outcome and 29% of the sleep efficiency (%). RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Insomnia because of hyperarousal behaviour can be an important factor in the development of an individual self-care management programme supported by a healthcare team.

Rationale and design of the Randomized Intervention with CPAP in Coronary Artery Disease and Sleep Apnoea--RICCADSA trial.

RATIONALE: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is common in coronary artery disease (CAD) and a possible cause of increased mortality. To date, there is a lack of randomized controlled trials to draw the conclusion that all CAD patients should be investigated for OSA and subsequently be treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). OBJECTIVE: The Randomized Intervention with CPAP in CAD and OSA (RICCADSA) trial is designed to address if CPAP treatment reduces the combined rate of new revascularization, myocardial infarction, stroke and cardiovascular mortality over a 3-year period in CAD patients with OSA. Secondary outcomes include cardiovascular biomarkers, cardiac function and maximal exercise capacity at 3-month- and 1-year follow-ups. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A sample of 400 CAD patients (100 non-sleepy OSA patients randomized to CPAP, 100 to non-CPAP; 100 sleepy OSA patients on CPAP, and 100 CAD patients without OSA) will be included. So far, 240 patients have been enrolled in the trial since December 31, 2005. CONCLUSION: The RICCADSA trial will contribute to defining the impact of CPAP on prognosis of CAD patients with OSA.