Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and Atrial Fibrillation: A Case of Bidirectional Relationship and Continuous PAP Compliance Monitoring

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a contributor to atrial fibrillation (AF) and the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea can reduce the recurrence of AF following catheter ablation. On the other hand, the impact of AF therapy and conversion to sinus rhythm is not fully understood. This is a case of a middle-aged man with SDB and persistent AF who exhibited improvement in SDB events, following sinus rhythm conversion. This supports the hypothesis that a bidirectional relationship between SDB and AF exist and highlights the importance of continuous monitoring of CPAP compliance, beyond improvement of daytime sleepiness.

Improvement in Sleep-Disordered Breathing Indices Downloaded From a Positive Airway Pressure Machine Following Conversion of Atrial Fibrillation to Sinus Rhythm.

J Clin Sleep Med. 2018 Nov 15;14(11):1953-1957

Authors: Monahan K, Upender R, Sherman K, Sheller J, Montgomery J, Abraham RL