Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a growing health problem worldwide. In recent years, there has been a rising interest in the relationship between sleep disorders and AF. Several studies have reported higher prevalence and incidence rates of AF in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). However, some believe that OSAHS is not a risk factor for AF; but AF, by itself, is regarded as one of the possible triggers for OSAHS. In this study, the related literature investigating the association between OSAHS and AF was reviewed, and then the possible mechanisms of this interplay were discussed. To conclude, recommendations for further research in this field were presented to researchers and some points were highlighted for physicians.[GMJ.2018;7:e1416]
Highlights
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is considered as a growing health problem worldwide, affecting approximately 1-4% of the general population [1]
There has been a rising interest in the relationship between sleep disorders and AF [10, 11]. Both AF and sleep disorders are noticeably increasing in adults, with a considerable prevalence rate in both developing and developed countries [1].Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), as one of the most prevalent sleep disorders, is defined by recurrent complete or incomplete collapse of the upper airway during sleep, estimated to affect around 5-25% of adult women and men [12, 13]
Several studies have even reported a higher prevalence rate of AF in patients with OSAHS; some others have shown that different types of sleep disorders have different impacts on AF risks
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is considered as a growing health problem worldwide, affecting approximately 1-4% of the general population [1]. As the incidence rates of AF continues to rise, it is necessary to identify and treat the relevant potentially modifiable risk factors [6]. There has been a rising interest in the relationship between sleep disorders and AF [10, 11]. Both AF and sleep disorders are noticeably increasing in adults, with a considerable prevalence rate in both developing and developed countries [1].Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), as one of the most prevalent sleep disorders, is defined by recurrent complete or incomplete collapse of the upper airway during sleep, estimated to affect around 5-25% of adult women and men [12, 13]. Several studies have even reported a higher prevalence rate of AF in patients with OSAHS; some others have shown that different types of sleep disorders have different impacts on AF risks
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