Central sleep apnea is uncommon after stroke

Stroke is often considered a risk factor for central sleep apnea (CSA). The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence and clinical correlates of CSA in patients with ischemic stroke. In this analysis, 1346 participants in the Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi (BASIC) project underwent a home sleep apnea test shortly after ischemic stroke. Respiratory events during sleep were classified as central apneas, obstructive apneas, or hypopneas. Central apnea index (CAI) was defined as number of central apneas divided by recording time. CSA was defined as CAI ≥5/hour with at least 50% of all scored respiratory events classified as central apneas. Demographics and co-morbidities were ascertained from the medical record. Median CAI was 0/hour. Nineteen participants (1.4%) met criteria for CSA. Participants with CSA were more likely to be male, and had lower prevalence of obesity than participants without CSA. There was no association between CSA and other co-morbidities. CSA was uncommon in this large cohort of patients with recent ischemic stroke. •The prevalence of central sleep apnea after ischemic stroke is low.•Central sleep apnea is not associated with stroke severity or heart failure.•Home sleep testing may be appropriate in patients with recent ischemic stroke.