Lower Risk of Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence One of CPAP Treatment Benefits

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CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) use in obstructive sleep apnea reduces atrial fibrillation recurrence. It has been observed that in patients with heart failure, high blood pressure and stroke, there is a high prevalence of sleep apnea – a sleep disorder where a person stops breathing for brief moments throughout the night.

Although an evident relationship between heart disease and sleep apnea has been found, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact relationship as those living with sleep apnea generally tend to have other comorbid conditions as well. What has been found is that when sleep apnea is treated, the co-existing health problem improves.

Atrial fibrillation recurrence lower with obstructive sleep apnea treatment

Earlier research found that atrial fibrillation recurrence is lower with obstructive sleep apnea treatment. The researchers from New York University Langone Medical Center conducted a meta-analysis of seven studies, which included 1,087 patients, to determine if CPAP use – a common treatment for sleep apnea – could reduce the recurrence of atrial fibrillation.

CPAP was found to reduce atrial fibrillation occurrence by 42 percent in sleep apnea patients. Although additional study is required on a larger scale, the researchers are hopeful that CPAP use could be an effective mode of treatment for reducing the occurrence of atrial fibrillation.

Relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation

There is a clear relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation, but the cause-and-effect factor is not fully understood. Over two million people have atrial fibrillation in the U.S., and one in 15 have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and OSA also share many common traits, which increase the risk of both conditions. For example, a high body mass index plays a role in both illnesses, along with older age.

A relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation suggests that by treating one of the conditions, the other can greatly improve.

Treating sleep apnea to help your heart

Numerous studies have found that by treating sleep apnea you can improve the function of your heart and reduce the risk of heart-related illnesses. The most common form of treatment for sleep apnea is with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. This device is worn as a mask during sleeping hours and releases continuous air to avoid blockages that can trigger the stoppage of breathing. By using a CPAP nightly you can prevent oxygen levels from lowering, prevent your heart from beating rapidly, and reduce the stress that is put on your heart.

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Original Source:http://www.belmarrahealth.com/cpap-use-in-obstructive-sleep-apnea-reduces-atrial-fibrillation-recurrence/

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