Using CPAP to treat atrial fibrillation in patients with sleep apnea

The Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

NA · National Taiwan University Hospital · NCT04513483

This study is testing if using a CPAP machine to treat sleep apnea can help reduce the episodes of atrial fibrillation in people aged 20 to 65 who have both conditions.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Taiwan University Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Taipei)
Trial IDNCT04513483 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the impact of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on the frequency and severity of atrial fibrillation (AF) episodes in patients who also suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It aims to determine whether treating OSA with CPAP can reduce the burden of AF in individuals diagnosed with paroxysmal AF. The study includes participants aged 20 to 65 who meet specific criteria for both AF and OSA, and it will compare the effects of CPAP against a placebo. The findings could provide insights into the relationship between sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are men and women aged 20 to 65 with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and obstructive sleep apnea.

Not a fit: Patients with moderate to severe valvular heart disease, uncontrolled hypertension, or those currently using CPAP treatment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved management of atrial fibrillation in patients with obstructive sleep apnea, potentially reducing AF episodes and associated complications.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated a link between obstructive sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation, suggesting that this approach may have potential, although it is still being explored.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. men or women aged 20 to 65 years
2. paroxysmal AF, diagnosed based on the ACC/AHA/HRS 2014 guideline, and is defined as AF that terminates spontaneously or with intervention within 7 d of onset either by 12-lead EKG, 24-hr Holter, or 14-day ECG monitor.
3. OSA, defined as an AHI\>15/hr of sleep, of which \>50% of events are obstructive.
4. Informed consent signed

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Moderate-severe valvular heart diseases (regurgitation or stenosis)
2. post heart surgery
3. Uncontrolled systemic hypertension or pulmonary hypertension
4. Use of psychoactive or other drugs that could influence breathing patterns
5. Current use of CPAP treatment
6. Epworth sleepiness scale\>10
7. Congestive heart failure (LVEF≦45%)
8. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
9. History of stroke or neuromuscular disease
10. Severe insomnia

Where this trial is running

Taipei

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Atrial Fibrillation, Sleep Apnea, sleep apnea

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.