01 Feb Sleep Apnea Increases Stroke Risk in Atrial Fibrillation Patients

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dmitry Yaranov, MD
Danbury Hospital
Western Connecticut Health Network

Medical Research: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Dr. Yaranov: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke (CVA) that is not included in the usual cardioembolic risk assessments for patients with atrial fibrillation. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of OSA on CVA rate in patients with atrial fibrillation. We found that Obstructive sleep apnea in patients with atrial fibrillation is an independent predictor of CVA and this association may have important clinical implications in CVA risk stratification.

Medical Research: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?

Dr. Yaranov: The preponderance of our data strongly suggests that among patients with atrial fibrillation, Obstructive sleep apnea increases the risk of CVA, thus increasing morbidity and potentially mortality. We suggest that the presence of OSA should be considered in the cardioembolic risk assessment in patients with atrial fibrillation. High risk patients should be screened for OSA.

Medical Research: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Dr. Yaranov: The inclusion of Obstructive sleep apnea in stroke risk stratification scores may change the way current clinical practice is regarding of what were previously thought to be very low risk patients. Validation of this concept with large prospective studies will be beneficial in determining the role that the presence of OSA plays in cardioembolic risk tools in patients with AF.

Citation:

Effect of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Frequency of Stroke in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

The American Journal of Cardiology

• Dmitry M. Yaranov, MD ,
• Athanasios Smyrlis, MD,
• Natalia Usatii, MD
• Amber Butler, BS,
• Joann R. Petrini, PhD, MPH,
• Jose Mendez, MD,
• Mark K. Warshofsky, MD

Volume 115, Issue 4, 15 February 2015, Pages 461–465

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MedicalResearch.com Interview with:, & Dmitry Yaranov, MD (2015). Sleep Apnea Increases Stroke Risk in Atrial Fibrillation Patients MedicalResearch.com

Last Updated on February 2, 2015 by Marie Benz MD FAAD