Sleep Apnea and Atrial Fibrillation
Sleep Apnea and Atrial Fibrillation
Sleep apnea is now recognized as a significant factor in both triggering and maintaining Atrial Fibrillation. This is because over time, the repeated apnoeic (cessation of for several seconds) episodes that occur repeatedly overnight, may lead to stress on the heart, which is known to trigger AF.
Sleep Apnea Risk Factors
Risk factors for sleep apnea are:
- heavy snoring
- high blood pressure
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Sleep apnea symptoms usually are:
- morning headaches
- fatigue throughout the day
- inability to get a good “rest” despite many hours of sleep
In this situation, management SOLELY of AF, for example with drugs or even catheter ablation may fail, with the ongoing primary trigger of sleep apnea which continue to drive repeated episodes of AF at night, which eventually lead to persistent symptoms even during the daytime.
There are other problems with sleep apnea too:
There is a clear link between sleep apnea and cardiovascular problems. It’s possible that the constant fluctuation in blood oxygen levels caused by sleep apnea may contribute to arterial inflammation, blood flow obstruction, insulin resistance, and, increased hypertension and cardiovascular-related events.
Dr. Boon Lim is a specialist in treatment of patients with both atrial fibrillation(AF) and sleep apnea. Your treatment from the beginning to the end, will comprise of comprehensive holistic approach addressing all risk factors for AF, including:
- Sleep apnea
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Metabolic Profile
- Coronary artery disease
- Thyroid dysfunction
Sleep Apnea Detection Device
Dr Lim will be able to fit an easy to use overnight wrist-based sleep apnea detection device (WATCHPAT ™) which will be able to make a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea, and to then initiate approach management to get you back to better health.
Sleep Apnea and Atrial Fibrillation
If you need a comprehensive assessment of AF with sleep apnea, and you are worried how to cure sleep apnea, please get in touch