Fig 2. Differences in P-wave mean and Pd during simulated obstructive sleep apnea in healthy subjects (“Non AF”, n = 24) and patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF, n = 33).

The increase in P-wave duration (A) and Pd (B) during the MM was significantly higher in patients with PAF when compared to healthy subjects. No significant changes were observed between the two study populations during BL and the AP manoeuvre. All analyses were adjusted for heart rate, age, BMI, and sex. BL = baseline (normal breathing). ITH = inspiration through a threshold load (simulating an obstructive hypopnea). MM = Mueller manoeuvre (simulating an obstructive apnea). AP = end-expiratory breath holding (simulating central apnea).