We already know that one of the most common sleep disorders is obstructive sleep apnea. This sleep disorder happens when there is a partial or complete collapse of the airway. As a result, it leads to autonomic system imbalance, abnormal gas exchange, and frequent arousals during sleep.
On the other hand, atrial fibrillation is one of the most common arrhythmias. Both obstructive sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation, are comorbid with growing older and being obese. In fact, most of the patients who deal with atrial fibrillation have obstructive sleep apnea. Atrial fibrillation occurs in 1% to 2% of the adult population, while the estimated prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea is 2% to 7%.
As the prevalence of atrial fibrillation is expected to rise in the upcoming years, it’s essential to have proper therapeutic options. In fact, it’s crucial to treat both obstructive sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation simultaneously if we want to reduce the morbidity.
How to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Atrial Fibrillation?
Cardiovascular diseases are linked with sleep-disordered breathing. People who deal with atrial fibrillation often have sleep-disordered breathing. What’s more, atrial fibrillation is also associated with depression, heart failure, thyroid disorders, hypertension, and psychiatric disorders.
In order to identify obstructive sleep apnea, clinicians use questionnaires. However, such screening tools might not be the perfect option for identifying obstructive sleep apnea in atrial fibrillation patients. One of the most known screening tools is the Berlin Questionnaire.
Thus, there have been numerous studies which have tested the effects of CPAP therapy to assess the symptoms. In fact, there are numerous studies which have shown that treating obstructive sleep apnea in patients with atrial fibrillation is indeed beneficial. What’s more, patients who have both these conditions are more prone to increased risk for stroke.
What is the CPAP?
CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, is a device which reaches an optimal pressure when patients are sleeping on their back. So, when they get to the stage of REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement) where the jaw and tongue can relax in such a way that they obstruct the airway.
This device helps the patient breath properly without interruption because it delivers enough air pressure to keep the airway open. The main goal when using CPAP is to maintain optimal pressure at all times.
It’s very important to point out that CPAP is not the only treatment for sleep apnea. Patients dealing with sleep apnea can also treat the issue with simple lifestyle changes. Some of these changes might be quitting smoking and losing some extra weight. Having a healthy lifestyle will not only improve the sleep apnea symptoms but also prevent atrial fibrillation.
Should We Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Atrial Fibrillation with CPAP?
As we already mentioned, there is a very strong connection between obstructive sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation. Thus, according to several studies, it’s very beneficial to use CPAP in such cases. Treating obstructive sleep apnea with CPAP will also control atrial fibrillation. Moreover, it can reduce the risk of stroke.
However, the success of the CPAP treatment will depend on various factors, such as cardiac events, antiarrhythmic drugs used, and a quality of life survey. Nowadays, 76.6% of atrial fibrillation are hospitalized over a three and one-half year period. Nevertheless, if CPAP treatment can reduce this rate to twenty percent per year, it would be very effective. This is a very attractive method which still requires considerations and examinations.
In a nutshell, for patients already diagnosed with both obstructive sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation, CPAP may be an effective way to promote normal breathing and a healthy heartbeat.
Furthermore, using home sleep tests can help to identify sleep apnea which can be extremely beneficial for managing obstructive sleep apnea. These tests are very convenient and affordable.