Association between obstructive sleep apnea and premature supraventricular contractions.

Abstract Objective The exact association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and premature supraventricular contractions (PSVCs) has not been established. Methods We prospectively performed polysomnography together with 24-hour Holter electrocardiography in 431 patients who were clinically suspected of having OSA and examined the association between OSA severity and PSVCs during wakefulness and sleep. The patients were classified into 4 groups according to the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) quartiles (Q1 = patients with AHI  Results The number of PSVCs/hour during sleep differed significantly among the 4 groups, but the number of PSVCs/hour during wakefulness did not. The prevalence of PSVC ≥ 5/hour during sleep was significantly higher in Q4 (21.0%) than the other 3 groups (Q1, 9.0%; Q2, 8.0%; Q3, 6.0%; all p p  = 0.004). Conclusions Severe OSA can cause PSVCs during sleep, but its effect appears not to be strong. Further studies are needed to clarify the clinical significance of this small but significant increase in PSVCs during sleep in severe OSA patients.