Arrhythmias and sleep apnea: physiopathologic link and clinical implications

Abstract

Available evidence suggests a pathogenetic role of sleep breathing disorders in both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias with non-negligible clinical implications. Scientific literature has reported convincing findings on the link between sleep breathing disorders and arrhythmias. The coexistence of these conditions should be appropriately managed because OSA treatment may reduce arrhythmia recurrence. This paper provides an overview of the main physiopathologic mechanisms underlying the association between sleep apnea and arrhythmias and discusses the impact of sleep apnea on arrhythmia management in clinical practice.

Keywords: Arrhythmias; Continuous positive airway pressure; Obstructive sleep apnea; Sleep-related breathing disorders.