Sleep-disordered breathing and cardiac arrhythmias: Role of intermittent hypoxia

Abstract

Focusing on the role of intermittent hypoxia, this chapter intends to describe the association between sleep-disordered breathing and cardiac arrhythmias in specific. By showing pathophysiologies of different types of sleep-disordered breathing, we try to give an understanding of why sleep apnea is a common phenomenon among cardiac patients. Moreover, this chapter is intended to point out cardiovascular consequences and mechanisms, which are involved in an enhanced myocardial irritability and predispose patients with evident sleep-disordered breathing to suffer from cardiac arrhythmias. We thereby especially focus on intermittent hypoxia and its major role in the proarrhythmia pathological process. Finally, translating evidences from bench to bedside, we present clinical data that elucidate associations between sleep-disordered breathing and ventricular arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, or conduction disturbances.