RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Rhythm control decreased severity of sleep-disordered breathing in patients with atrial fibrillation following cardioversion JF European Respiratory Journal JO Eur Respir J FD European Respiratory Society SP P318 VO 42 IS Suppl 57 A1 Henrik Fox A1 Thomas Bitter A1 Dieter Horstkotte A1 Olaf Oldenburg YR 2013 UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/42/Suppl_57/P318.abstract AB To date Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is recognized as an independent risk factor for the development of atrial fibrillation (Afib) and re-occurrence of Afib after cardioversion and/or ablative therapies. Thus, little is known about the influence of successful restoring of sinus rhythm on SDB’s severity.A total of 45 patients (30 males, 15 females, mean age 67 years) with Afib (n = 40) or atrial flutter (Aflu) (n = 5) were investigated for the presence and severity of SDB by multichannel cardiorespiratory polygraphy (PG) before and after successful synchronized electrical cardioversion into stable sinus rhythm.Apnoea-hypopnoea-index (AHI) as well as apnoea index (AI) dropped significantly immediately after successful cardioversion into stable sinus rhythm.View this table:While SDB has been shown to be an independent risk factor for rhythm control therapy, this study reveals an effect of successful rhythm control (restoring of sinus rhythm from Afib/Aflu) on SDB. Further studies are needed to prove context and impact of rhythm control in patients with atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter regarding their characteristics of sleep-disordered breathings for their respective status of rhythm.