Correlation between apnea–hypopnea index and Tp-Te interval, Tp-Te/QT, and Tp-Te/QTc ratios in obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent sleep disorder associated with important cardiovascular complications including ventricular arrhythmias. Tp-Te interval, Tp-Te/QT, and Tp-Te/QTc ratios are repolarization indices representing ventricular arrhythmogenic potential. These parameters are associated with ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between apnea–hypopnea index and Tp-Te, Tp-Te/QT, and Tp-Te/QTc in OSA. Methods: We screened a total of 280 patients who underwent overnight polysomnography (PSG) between the years 2012–2017 at our institution. Patients were assigned into four groups based on severity of apnea–hypopnea index: 70 with apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) <5 (control group), 71 with 5 ≤ AHI < 15, 63 with 15 ≤ AHI < 30, and 76 with AHI ≥ 30. Tp-Te, Tp-Te/QT, and Tp-Te/QTc were measured. Results: Compared to control group, repolarization parameters were significantly prolonged in other groups (Tp-Te interval: 68.3 ± 6.8, 71.8 ± 6.3, 79.1 ± 5.5, and 85.1 ± 6.4 ms, p