Sleep apnea is an important risk factor for atrial fibrillation. It is also associated with hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, diabetes, and insulin resistance, all of which are risk factors for, or results of, atrial fibrillation.
Now a new study has just reported that men between the ages of 40 and 70 who have severe sleep apnea have twice the risk of death as men without sleep apnea. Though women are probably also at increased risk, the study did not have enough women with sleep apnea to draw conclusions regarding an association between sleep apnea and death.
Sleep apnea is believed to impact about one in four men and one in ten women, and most are not aware that they have the problem. The article below contains very important information for both men and women with afib.
Read: Severe Sleep Apnea Doubles Risk of Death in Men — Implications for Those with Atrial Fibrillation
I truly believe that getting regular check ups are a key to leading a healthy life. This just shows that seemingly unrelated conditions may have an effect in each other. It would be better if we know more about our current condition to better prepare ourselves.
I have had afib for about 6 or 7 years. I only very recently was tested for sleep apnea. The result of the test is that I have severe sleep apnea in that I stop breathing 40 times an hour and the test showed my oxygen level dropped to 90% from a normal 96 to 97%. I only today was made aware of the possible relationship between sleep apnea and afib. I just started trying to use the new APAP machine provided to me by the VA. I have not been very successful so far. After trying to sleep for a couple of hours, or waking up and being very uncomfortable with it, I take it off. OK, I know it is important, so I am a ‘work in progress’ and I intend to make it work. I am hopeful that, once I am sleeping full nights with the APAP for a solid few weeks, that it will have a positive effect on the afib. We’ll see. I know it is important in any case. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Larry,
Good luck with the APAP. I don’t know too many folks who adapt immediately. Most of us go through days, even weeks, of adjustment initially, but eventually you get to the point that you can’t even conceive of sleeping without it. Hopefully you’ll get comfortable with the APAP real soon and that it will help your afib.
Good luck.
Mellanie