Key result
Obstructive sleep apnea worsens stroke risk in atrial fibrillation patients, and compliance with OSA treatment is essential for successful AF management.
Emphasizes the critical need for early screening and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea to improve the success of atrial fibrillation management and reduce stroke risk.
May support OSA screening in AF to mitigate stroke; leaves open need for RCTs on treatment impact.
There is a high incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Whether this represents a causative relationship or is merely an association remains to be determined. This review describes the current understanding of pathophysiologic links supporting a causative relationship between OSA and AF. The management of AF with antiarrhythmics, cardioversion and ablation success depends on compliance with OSA treatment. OSA worsens every risk factor resulting in a higher stroke risk in AF patients. Strategies for early screening and compliance with OSA treatment are the need of the hour.
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Oza et al. (2014) conducted a review in Obstructive sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation. Obstructive sleep apnea worsens stroke risk in atrial fibrillation patients, and compliance with OSA treatment is essential for successful AF management.
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