Obstructive sleep apnoea is common, it is estimated that 49% of men aged 40-69 have obstructive sleep apnoea rising to 62% above the age of 70. Up to 1 in 10 have undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea which may present with snoring, daytime somnolence, depression and significant hypoxemia during sleep with associated cardiac arrhythmias.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has revolutionised treatment for tachyarrhythmias and has become first line treatment for some tachycardias. Some arrhythmias are relatively common, atrial fibrillation for example affects up to 9% of our population over the age of 80 years and provides a very significant risk for thromboembolic stroke, haemorrhagic stroke as well as impairment of quality of life whilst also contributing to heart failure.

Atrial fibrillation is the most commonly experienced arrhythmia increasing in prevalence with age. It is estimated that 3 in 1000 under the age of 65 years have atrial fibrillation rising to 9% of people reaching the age of 80 years. The rate of stroke in untreated atrial fibrillation ranges from 5% per year with minimally associated risk factors up to 15-20% per year with associated risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart failure and a history of vascular disease. The mortality of atrial fibrillation related to stroke is high and estimated at 25% in 12 months.