Reverse atrial electrical remodelling induced by continuous positive airway pressure in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnoea

Background Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, including atrial arrhythmias. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the gold standard treatment for OSA; its impact on atrial electrical remodelling has not been fully investigated. Signal-averaged p-wave (SAPW) duration is an accepted marker for atrial electrical remodelling. Objective The objective of this study is to determine whether CPAP induces reverse atrial electrical remodelling in patients with severe OSA. Methods Consecutive patients attending the Sleep Disorder Clinic at Kingston General Hospital underwent full polysomnography. OSA-negative controls and severe OSA were defined as apnoea–hypopnea index (AHI)