Repeatability of Sleep Apnea Detection in 48‐Hour Holter ECG Monitoring

Background: There is a significant relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cardiovascular diseases. Reliability of new methods evaluating apnea in Holter ECG monitoring is still the matter of investigators’ studies. Methods: In 48‐hour Holter ECG monitoring recordings of 63 patients, we assessed repeatability, comparing the results from both sleep periods. Results: We found good repeatability in evaluation of apnea‐hypopnea index value. There was moderate agreement in three categories, that is, normal or bordeline or apneic assignment. Assignment to “healthy” (normal and borderline) or apneic subgroup during consecutive sleep periods showed high repeatability. Conclusions: Holter ECG monitoring is a repetitive method of preliminary diagnosis in patients evaluated for sleep apnea syndrome. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(3):218–222