The relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation in special patient populations

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep-related breathing disorder associated with both cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Studies have shown a strong relationship between OSA and the most common cardiac arrhythmia - atrial fibrillation (AF). In this review, the authors intend to analyze AF in the context of OSA in populations of special medical interest; specifically investigating OSA in post-cardioversion, post-pulmonary isolation and post-coronary artery bypass graft patients as well as those afflicted by congestive heart failure, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, erectile dysfunction and stroke. Moreover, the authors will highlight the importance of OSA severity, our current understanding of its mechanistic link to AF pathophysiology and treatment options.