• Posted on: Apr 21 2015

Researchers are recommending that anyone suffering from atrial fibrillation should also be screened for sleep disorders. Atrial fibrillation is an irregular or rapid heart beat. Many people who suffer from atrial fibrillation also suffer from obstructive sleep apnea.

Researchers from New York University Langone Medical Center conducted seven studies to determine how CPAP machines affect people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. They found that CPAP machine usage could help reduce recurrence of atrial fibrillation by 58%.

“Active screening for obstructive sleep apnea in all patients who undergo treatment for atrial fibrillation is imperative as the use of CPAP will influence the outcome of therapy and likely reduce some of the cardiovascular morbidity associated with atrial fibrillation,” said Dr. Larry Chinitz, a professor of medicine and cardiac electrophysiology.

Researchers believe that their finding suggest that by preventing sleep apnea with CPAP machines, doctors can also help their patients avoid atrial fibrillation. They are hoping that their findings will inspire more studies and clinical tests that will determine how sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation are linked and what types of medications or treatments can be used to help sufferers find relief.

Tagged with: atrial fibrillation, CPAP, heart rhythm disorder, Sleep Apnea

Posted in: Quick Reads