Sleep quality and adverse outcomes for patients with acute myocardial infarction

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyse the relationship between the worsening of clinical outcomes (cardiovascular death, recurrent cardiovascular ischaemic events and stroke) and sleep quality, daytime sleepiness and risk for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome in patients admitted to cardiac care units due to an acute myocardial infarction. BACKGROUND: There is evidence that sleep disorders can contribute to the worsening of cardiovascular diseases. DESIGN: This is a descriptive study with follow-up. METHODS: Data collection was conducted in a large university hospital in Brazil from October 2013 to March 2014. Patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction provided data about sleep quality, daytime sleepiness and risk factors for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome by answering specific questionnaires. Clinical data were obtained from medical charts. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression models. RESULTS: The worsening of clinical outcome occurred in 12·4% of patients and was independently associated to poor sleep quality. CONCLUSION: Poor sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness and high risk for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome were frequent in hospitalised patients with acute myocardial infarction and affect negatively the process of recovery. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: It is important to evaluate sleep quality and sleep disorders, aiming at preventing and reducing unfavourable outcomes of cardiovascular disease, particularly for acute myocardial infarction patients.