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Therapy Insight: interactions between atrial fibrillation and obstructive sleep apnea
Apoor S Gami1, Paul A Friedman, Mina K Chung
1Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, MN 55905, USA.
Nature Clinical Practice. Cardiovascular Medicine
|November 3, 2005
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, increasing AF frequency. Treating OSA may reduce AF episodes, but more research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sleep Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) and obesity are concurrent epidemics.
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent in middle-aged adults and linked to obesity.
- Emerging evidence suggests a strong association between AF and OSA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between AF and OSA.
- To determine the prevalence of OSA in AF patients.
- To explore the impact of OSA on AF frequency and recurrence.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of existing studies.
- Examination of data from focused populations at risk of AF.
- Assessment of preliminary data on OSA treatment in AF patients.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of OSA among AF patients is high (32-49%).
- OSA is associated with increased frequency and recurrence of AF in at-risk populations.
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for OSA may reduce AF frequency.
Conclusions:
- A significant association exists between OSA and AF.
- OSA treatment, particularly CPAP, shows potential for managing AF.
- Further randomized controlled trials are essential to confirm these findings and guide clinical practice.