Sleep Apnea Treatment Reduces Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence: Meta-Analysis
How Much Does Treating Sleep Apnea Reduce Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence?
Treating obstructive sleep apnea significantly reduces atrial fibrillation recurrence rates, this comprehensive meta-analysis demonstrates. The analysis of multiple studies found that patients with both OSA and atrial fibrillation who received effective sleep apnea treatment (primarily CPAP therapy) had a 42% reduction in atrial fibrillation recurrence compared to those with untreated sleep apnea. The cardiovascular benefits were most pronounced in patients with good CPAP compliance (>4 hours per night) and those with severe sleep apnea. The research reveals that sleep apnea creates a pro-arrhythmic environment through mechanisms including intermittent hypoxia, increased sympathetic nervous system activity, and structural heart changes, all of which can be improved with effective OSA treatment.
