Obstructive sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation (AFib) are medical conditions that often occur together, increasing the risk of serious cardiovascular problems. The main treatment for AFib is catheter ablation, a procedure that creates scars in the heart to prevent irregular rhythms. Historically, patients with both AFib and sleep apnea have been considered less likely to benefit from ablation due to higher rates of recurrence and worse outcomes.
A recent study from Tulane University challenges this belief. Published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, the research indicates that catheter ablation can provide significant health benefits for patients who have both conditions. According to the study, those who underwent ablation experienced a 40% reduction in major cardiovascular events and a 70% decrease in overall mortality.
The procedure was also linked to a lower risk of blood clots, which can lead to embolism or stroke.
"For patients, these findings are encouraging," said Dr. Ghassan Bidaoui, lead author and resident at Tulane University School of Medicine as well as researcher at the Tulane Research Innovation Arrhythmia and Discovery Institute. "They suggest that even when sleep apnea complicates AFib management, catheter ablation can still lead to better long-term survival and fewer serious cardiac complications. This offers a pathway toward personalized, comprehensive care where procedural interventions are not dismissed solely based on comorbid sleep apnea but rather considered as part of an integrated management strategy."
Researchers used data from more than 18,000 patients in the global TriNetX network. About half received catheter ablation while the other half did not. This makes it one of the most thorough studies on how effective ablation is for this group.
Dr. Nassir Marrouche, co-author and director of the Tulane University Heart and Vascular Institute, said: "By treating AFib with catheter ablation, we saw a dramatic drop in risk; over 70% reduction in mortality and major improvements in stroke, heart failure, and coronary disease outcomes," Marrouche said. "These findings could redefine how we manage this high-risk group."
It is estimated that over 40 million people worldwide have AFib. Sleep apnea affects even more people globally; some estimates suggest up to one billion may have it. With both conditions expected to become more common as populations age, researchers hope their results will encourage wider use of catheter ablation for these high-risk individuals.
