Obstructive sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation share a complex, bidirectional relationship that independently increases the risk of stroke and cardiovascular mortality.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is also an increasingly common condition. Both entities are risk factors for ischemic stroke and both conditions are linked with increased mortality. Mechanical effects of obesity and sleep apnea can lead to increased afterload, left ventricular hypertrophy, and left atrial fibrosis and remodeling. These changes can result in an increased risk of AF development. The current paper summarizes the evidence for the bidirectional relationship between AF and OSA. The merits of selective screening for these two conditions are also discussed.
Marulanda-Londoño et al. (Mon,) conducted a review in Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Atrial Fibrillation. Obstructive sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation share a complex, bidirectional relationship that independently increases the risk of stroke and cardiovascular mortality.