Journal of the American Heart AssociationDec 21, 2018

Nurse-Led Program to Reduce Obesity and Sleep Apnea Risks in Patients with Irregular Heartbeat

GLP-1 Therapies Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Apr 4, 2026

Abstract

In a cohort of 252 patients, those who enrolled in a nurse-led program lost an average of 3% of their body weight compared to only 0.3% among those who declined participation.

Obese patients enrolled in the program showed significantly greater weight loss compared to those who did not participate.
Of the 93 patients enrolled for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), 70 completed sleep studies, confirming OSA in 50 individuals.
Seventy-six percent of patients diagnosed with OSA began treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.
Quality of life and arrhythmia symptoms improved significantly from baseline to 6 months for those enrolled in the program.

Simplified

Background Obesity and obstructive sleep apnea ( OSA ) are associated with atrial fibrillation ( AF ), yet these conditions remain inadequately treated. We report on the feasibility and efficacy of a nurse-led risk factor modification program utilizing a pragmatic approach to address obesity and OSA in AF patients. Methods and Results AF patients with obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m) and/or the need for OSA management (high risk per Berlin Questionnaire or untreated OSA ) were voluntarily enrolled for risk factor modification, which comprised patient education, lifestyle modification, coordination with specialists, and longitudinal management. Weight loss and OSA treatment were monitored by monthly follow-up calls and/or continuous positive airway pressure ( CPAP ) unit downloads. Quality of life and arrhythmia symptoms were assessed with the SF -36 and AF Severity Scale at baseline and at 6 months. From November 1, 2016 to October 31, 2017, 252 patients (age 63±11 years; 71% male; 57% paroxysmal AF ) were enrolled, 189 for obesity and 93 for OSA . Obese patients who enrolled lost significantly greater percent body weight than those who declined (3% versus 0.3%; P<0.05). Among 93 patients enrolled for OSA , 70 completed sleep studies, OSA was confirmed in 50, and the majority (76%) started CPAP therapy. All components of quality of life and arrhythmia symptoms improved significantly from baseline to 6 months among enrolled patients. Conclusions A nurse-led risk factor modification program is a potentially sustainable and generalizable model that can improve weight loss and OSA in AF patients, translating into improved quality of life and arrhythmia symptoms. 2

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Nurse-Led Program to Reduce Obesity and Sleep Apnea Risks in Patients with Irregular Heartbeat

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