Suggest Treatment For Sleep Apnea

Posted on Sun, 20 Sep 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 20 Sep 2015 Answered on

Thu, 8 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I've been diagnosed with mild sleep apnea and use a dental appliance to help. Five years ago I had an episode of atrial Fibrilation that required ablation. Recently I've noted heart beat fluttering. Could the fluttering sensation be a prelude to another afib incident? I was on Coumadin for a couple of months five years ago but now only take a daily aspirin. I'm 74 and active, gym 3 to 4 times a week. Might my sleep apnea be related to heart flutter? Tried CPAP couldn't tolerate it then might try again if sleep apnea cause of flutter.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Following answer to your queries...

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

First of all I would like to say that the fluttering sensation doesnt necessary be a prelude of atrial fibrillation episodes.

Secondly sleep apnea may be responsible for atrial fibrillation, due to hypoxia that may trigger atrial fibrillation.

If you were my patient I would recommend to do :
- blood work
- ecg
- cardiac echo
- holter monitoring
These examinations are more accurate to predict atrial fibrillation.

Hope this was of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar