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REVIEW article

Front. Med.
Sec. Pulmonary Medicine
Volume 12 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fmed.2025.1509776

The Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy on Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Provisionally accepted
Jiancheng Hu Jiancheng Hu Siyuan Zuo Siyuan Zuo Jiahui Qian Jiahui Qian Fangfang Cheng Fangfang Cheng Dengji Wang Dengji Wang Yanyan Deng Yanyan Deng Dasheng Lu Dasheng Lu *
  • Second Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

    Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) stands as an autonomous risk factor for a broad spectrum of cardiovascular diseases, particularly atrial fibrillation (AF), which is closely associated with heightened morbidity and mortality rates. The intricate pathophysiological pathways linking OSA to AF encompass chronic intermittent hypoxia, disruptions in the autonomic nervous system, inflammatory responses, and alterations in ion channel function. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy emerges as the frontline treatment for moderate to severe OSA, effectively alleviating symptomatic manifestations and potentially mitigating cardiovascular risks.However, the influence of CPAP on AF among OSA patients remains a subject of debate. Some investigations underscore its beneficial effects, including the reversal of atrial remodeling, enhanced atrial conduction, decreased AF incidence, and improved outcomes post-AF ablation in CPAP-treated individuals. Conversely, other studies reveal neutral or insignificant impacts. This review delves into the repercussions of CPAP therapy on AF in OSA patients, exploring potential explanations for the discrepancies observed across existing research endeavors. By consolidating current evidence and pinpointing areas ripe for further inquiry, this review aspires to inform clinical decision-making regarding the management of OSA-related AF.

    Keywords: obstructive sleep apnea, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, Atrial Fibrillation, chronic intermittent hypoxia, ATRIAL REMODELING

    Received: 11 Oct 2024; Accepted: 13 Jan 2025.

    Copyright: © 2025 Hu, Zuo, Qian, Cheng, Wang, Deng and Lu. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

    * Correspondence: Dasheng Lu, Second Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China

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