Evolution of a New Algorithm of Heart Rate Variability Analysis From Two-channel Holter Electrocardiogram in Pre-diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: a Study on Diagnostic Accuracy

To find out whether a new algorithm of HRV analysis from holter ECG monitoring can be used as a screening test for the diagnosis of patients with moderate-to-severe risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) with an acceptable accuracy.For this, overnight sleep pattern will be investigated in at least 107 individuals by polysomnography and 24-h ambulatory electrocardiography. Heart rate variability sleep apnea risk score (HRV-SARS) will be calculated using HRV analyses. The patients were recruited from individuals referred to our university hospital's sleep center for a polysomnography recording because of clinically suspected OSAS (with at least one of the following obstructive sleep apnea symptoms: witnessed apnea, snoring and/or daytime sleepiness) from May to July 2022. Prospectively 107 patients enrolled in the study according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Exclusion criteria were permanent or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, permanent pacemaker, history of other sleep disorders, severe cardiopulmonary disease, severe diabetes mellitus, autonomic dysfunction or major physical or mental ailments. All patients underwent both a full polysomnography recording and ECG Holter monitoring. This new algorithm of HRV analysis from holter ECG monitoring may represent an accurate and inexpensive screening tool in clinically suspected OSAS patients and may help focus resources on those at the highest risk.