Understanding the Relationship Between Sleep Apnea and AFib

It has long been established that sleep apnea in Vero Beach is correlated with a number of serious health problems, including heart attack, hypertension, and more. In more recent times, research has pointed to a link between this sleep disorder and yet another potentially life-threatening condition — atrial fibrillation, which is commonly referred to as a AFib. This blog post discusses data about the connection between these conditions and provides guidance on how you can protect your heart.

What Are Sleep Apnea and AFib?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder marked by repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night, which are caused by obstructions in the upper airway. It is estimated that around 22 million Americans suffer from it. Sadly, many cases remain undiagnosed for years or even decades. It can afflict anyone, but it is most common in overweight and elderly individuals.

AFib is an abnormal heart rhythm. It is caused by chaotic electrical signals that cause the heart’s upper chambers to quiver instead of contract properly. In turn, this can allow blood to collect in the heart, which may lead to clots and a heightened risk of stroke. In fact, individuals with AFib have five times the risk of stroke as the general population. Like OSA, AFib occurs most commonly in older people.

The Link Between OSA and AFib

Estimates indicate that around half of people with AFib also have sleep apnea, while individuals with sleep apnea have four times the risk of developing AFib as the general population. What is the reason for the strong connection between these conditions?

Some experts believe that sleep apnea places mechanical stress on the heart that can directly trigger arrhythmia. OSA is also associated with common risk factors for AFib, such as high blood pressure.

Another concern worth noting is that OSA may make AFib more difficult to manage. For example, individuals with both sleep apnea and AFib may not respond as well they should to medications that are designed to treat AFib.

What You Can Do

Research indicates that addressing both AFib and sleep apnea leads to the best outcomes for patients. Your general physician or a cardiologist may be the best person to help you manage any irregular heart rhythms, while a sleep dentist may be whom you should turn to for OSA treatment.

A sleep dentist can provide a custom oral appliance that repositions the lower jaw and helps to reduce or eliminate airway obstructions. It thereby facilitates higher quality sleep and can lower many of the health risks associated with OSA.

Your heart is one of the most precious organs in your body, and its well-being is strongly connected to how well you sleep. Seeking OSA treatment has the potential to save your life!

Meet Dr. Mogell 

Dr. Kenneth Mogell is a double-board certified dental sleep medicine expert. He focuses on helping patients conquer sleep apnea via oral appliance therapy. If you are concerned that poor-quality sleep is endangering your health, he and our team would be pleased to serve you. Contact any of our three convenient locations or call us at 772-882-6800.