Nocturnal Heart Rate Variability in Unexplained Syncope and Sleep Apnea—The SINCOSAS Study

TL;DR

This study explores how heart rate variability differs in people with unexplained fainting, sleep apnea, or both, revealing distinct patterns of autonomic nervous system activity.

Contribution

The study identifies unique nocturnal autonomic profiles in unexplained syncope, sleep apnea, and their coexistence using HRV analysis.

Findings

OSA is linked to increased vagal activity and reduced sympathetic tone at night.

Syncope is associated with further reductions in sympathetic activity and higher HRV.

Coexisting syncope and OSA show mixed autonomic patterns indicating deeper dysautonomia.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Heart rate variability (HRV) reflects autonomic nervous system modulation and may be altered in both unexplained syncope and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, the nocturnal autonomic patterns underlying these conditions and their coexistence remain poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize nocturnal autonomic modulation in patients with unexplained syncope, OSA, or both, compared with individuals without these conditions. Methods: In this multicenter, cross-sectional, comparative study, 304 adults were assigned to four groups: controls (no syncope or OSA), OSA without syncope, syncope without OSA, and syncope with OSA. Time- and frequency-domain HRV parameters were derived from overnight respiratory polygraphy and compared across groups. Results: OSA was associated with increased root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) and reduced low-frequency (LF) power, indicating enhanced vagal activity and lower nocturnal sympathetic tone. Syncope was characterized by further reductions in sympathetic indices (LF and very low frequency, VLF) with increased RMSSD, suggesting blunted sympathetic reserve. Patients with both conditions exhibited a mixed autonomic profile—elevated overall HRV with concurrent reductions in both sympathetic and parasympathetic components—indicating more profound dysautonomia despite milder OSA severity. Conclusions: OSA and syncope show distinct nocturnal autonomic patterns, and their coexistence leads to deeper autonomic imbalance. Incorporating nocturnal HRV analysis into routine polygraphy may improve pathophysiological stratification of unexplained syncope and identify clinically significant OSA.