Sleep Apnea and Atrial Fibrillation: Role of the Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System
Liliana Tavares, Adi Lador, Miguel Valderrábano
Abstract
Sleep apnea is highly associated with atrial fibrillation (AF), and both diseases are highly prevalent in the United States. The mechanistic underpinnings that contribute to their association remain uncertain, but numerous possible mechanisms have been proposed, including dysfunction of the cardiac autonomic nervous system (ANS). Studies have reported that apnea induces hyperactivity of the ANS, leading to increases in AF susceptibility. This review compiles the latest evidence on the role of the ANS in sleep-apnea-induced AF.
Topics & Concepts
MedicineAtrial fibrillationSleep apneaAutonomic nervous systemApneaObstructive sleep apneaCardiologySleep (system call)Internal medicineCardiac arrhythmiaAnesthesiaHeart rateBlood pressureComputer scienceOperating systemObstructive Sleep Apnea ResearchHeart Rate Variability and Autonomic ControlCardiovascular Syncope and Autonomic Disorders