STUDY OBJECTIVES: Geriatric impairments and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are prevalent among older patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Little is known about the association between OSA and geriatric impairments including frailty, cognitive performance, and AF-related quality of life. The objective of this study was to examine the associations of OSA with frailty, cognitive performance, and AF-related quality of life among older adults with AF.

METHODS: Data from the Systemic Assessment of Geriatrics Elements-AF study were used which included AF participants 65 years and older and with a CHA2DS2-VASc > /=2. The STOP-BANG questionnaire was used to assess the risk of OSA. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association between risk of OSA and geriatric impairments, adjusting for sociodemographic, geriatric, and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS: A total of 970 participants (mean age 75 years; 51% male) were studied. Of the 680 participants without a medical history of OSA, 26% (n=179) of participants had a low risk of OSA, 53% (n=360) had an intermediate risk, and 21% (n=141) had a high risk for OSA. Compared to those with low risk of OSA, participants with an intermediate or high risk of OSA were more likely to be frail (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]= 1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-2.56; aOR= 3.00, 95% CI: 1.69-5.32, respectively) in the fully adjusted models.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings identify a group of patients at high risk who would benefit from early screening for OSA. Future longitudinal studies are needed to assess the effect of OSA treatment on frailty, physical functioning, and QoL among patients with AF.