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Updated: May 10, 2026
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Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
Atrial fibrillation in obstructive sleep apnea.
Sandeep K Goyal1, Abhishek Sharma
1Sandeep K Goyal, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232-6300, United States.
World Journal of Cardiology
|June 27, 2013
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients and may cause AF. Treating OSA may improve AF management, but more research is needed to confirm this link.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sleep Medicine
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia with increasing prevalence.
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent in AF patients.
- The relationship between OSA and AF is a growing area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the link between obstructive sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation.
- To understand how OSA contributes to AF initiation and progression.
- To evaluate the impact of OSA on AF management and treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies on OSA and AF.
- Analysis of proposed mechanisms linking OSA to AF.
- Assessment of AF treatment efficacy in OSA patients.
Main Results:
- OSA is independently associated with AF initiation and progression.
- Mechanisms include autonomic dysfunction, intrathoracic pressure changes, and atrial remodeling.
- OSA reduces the success of AF therapies like cardioversion, ablation, and drug treatment.
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for OSA may improve AF control.
Conclusions:
- OSA plays a significant role in AF development and management.
- Heightened suspicion and screening for OSA in AF patients are recommended.
- Further studies are needed to solidify the link between OSA treatment and AF management success.
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