Obstructive sleep apnea and electrocardiographic P-wave morphology.

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent sleep disorder with important cardiovascular implications. Left atrial abnormality can be identified by electrocardiographic P-wave morphology and is considered an important risk for atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke, both of which have been associated with OSA. We hypothesized that severity of OSA would be associated with more abnormal electrocardiographic P-wave morphology as indicated by P-wave terminal force in V (PTFV ) and P-wave area in V (PWAV ).

Heart failure patient adherence: epidemiology, cause, and treatment.

Poor adherence to therapeutic regimens is a significant impediment to improving clinical outcomes in the HF population. Typical rates of adherence to prescribed medications, low-sodium diets, and aerobic exercise programs remain lower than that needed to decrease morbidity and mortality associated with HF. Factors contributing to poor adherence include multiple comorbidities, clinical depression, and decreased cognitive functioning.