Sleeping with the enemy: Sleep apnea, atrial fibrillation, bradyarrhythmias and sudden death

Abstract

Sleep apnea is a clinical entity characterized by alterations in airflow with a drop in arterial oxygen saturation that happen during sleep, this pathology is significantly associated with growth cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, being an important factor for development of bradyarrhythmias, tachyarrhythmias and sudden death. In this review we talk about the epidemiological, pathophysiological aspects of sleep apnea and its impact on the development of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.