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Arrhythmias and sleep apnea: physiopathologic link and clinical implications

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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.

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  1. Emergency Department, Cardiology Unit, San Filippo Neri Hospital, via Martinotti 20, 00135, Rome, Italy

    Stefania Angela Di Fusco, Carlo Pignalberi & Furio Colivicchi

  2. Division of Cardiology, G.B. Grassi Hospital, Ostia Lido, Rome, Italy

    Luca Santini

  3. EP Lab, Aurelia Hospital, Rome, Italy

    Massimo Santini

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  1. Stefania Angela Di Fusco
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Di Fusco, S.A., Pignalberi, C., Santini, L. et al. Arrhythmias and sleep apnea: physiopathologic link and clinical implications. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 57, 387–397 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10840-020-00707-z

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