Sleep apnea is associated with cardiac arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation (AFib) and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops or becomes shallow during sleep, and arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms.
Some possible reasons for the link between sleep apnea and arrhythmias include:
Intermittent hypoxia
When breathing stops during sleep apnea, blood vessels narrow and the heart rate and blood pressure increase. This can lead to cardiac cellular damage and changes in the heart's excitability.
2. Autonomic nervous system activation
When breathing stops, the body's "backup" systems are triggered to stimulate breathing again. This can include the sympathetic system, which speeds up the heart, and the parasympathetic system, which slows it down.
3. Intrathoracic pressure changes
When you try to breathe during sleep apnea, the pressure in your chest changes. This can stretch the heart's walls and alter its excitability.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy can help reduce or eliminate the obstructive episodes of sleep apnea, and it can also reduce the occurrence of arrhythmias