REM sleep-related complete heart block: is it a specific sleep-related disorder?

摘要

Cardiac arrhythmias can be secondary to respiratory sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) [1-3]. Others are primary arrhythmias triggered during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. The etiology, clinical significance and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias during sleep are still under debate. We present the case of a patient with episodes of complete heart block (CHB) during phasic events of REM sleep.Mr IB is a 39-year-old patient referred to the sleep clinic for evaluation of loud snoring. He did not complain of any specific sleep problems. He denied daytime sleepiness, was a heavy smoker and exercised every weekend.