Sleep disturbances and their link with cardiac alterations in patients with implantable automatic cardioverter defibrillators.

Sleep-related breathing disorders are common in patients with cardiovascular disease, yet their impact on ventricular tachycardia VT and ventricular fibrillation VF remains unclear. In this study we evaluate the incidence, severity and pattern of SVRTs in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator ICDs and their role in recurrent VT and VF episodes. Data from 50 patients aged 65 to 85 years, predominantly male, with ICDs implanted for primary prevention 20 patients and secondary prevention 30 patients of cardiac events were analyzed. SRBD was diagnosed in 58 of the patients, with 20 mild, 16 moderate and 22 severe forms. The results indicate that moderate to severe DSRBs are frequent in patients with ICDs, however they do not increase the risk of VT and VF recurrence.