sleep apnea and afib

[Xian1]

According to monitoring with apple watch, my over night pulse rate often goes into the low 40s. In addition when I check in the morning I am often in afib. I have sleep apea and use a CPAP. Just wondering if anyone else has these low overnight pulse rates and any linkage to sleep apnea triggering afib.

[BobD Volunteer]

Yes of course, Sleep apnoea is a well known cause of AF.

[CDreamer]

I also have SA and use a CPAP machine and before I used CPAP, I often had nocturnal AF, none really since I started CPAP.

My Apple Watch also used to record low HR at night - then I had a pacemaker and all has been well since.

[SeanJax]

try to have an event monitor for minimum 48 hours to see what is the cause of slow heart rate during sleep. And go from there. It takes time to have it done so ask for the event monitor right away.

[Denise-]

Hi Xian 1 my sleeping rate is in low 40's but I don't have sleep apnea. Its generally low though, mid 50's during the day. I was unable to take beta blockers because my day rate was 45 and sleeping 38 when I had them

[Ronnieboy in reply to Denise-]

Join the club .😎

[Ppiman]

The studies I have read over the years imply a strong connection between AF and OSA, but doctors seem unable to work out with certainty the cause or link since it is made complicated by both being very long-term chronic illnesses that occur along with other similarly long-term conditions, are more common in older people, and especially, in men who are overweight and have high blood pressure.

The message for me from the studies is to eat well, stay slim and active and hope that high blood pressure and diabetes stay away since all of that little lot seem to be at the root of much (not all) AF and OSA.

Steve

[Rubymurray25]

My heart consultant was adamant that my undiagnosed ( normal BMI) sleep apnoea was the cause of my AF . Since I have been on CPAP my AF has improved along with two ablations. A recent 7 day Holter test showed 40/41 bpm during sleep but they were not over concerned as I am on Dronedarone. I have recently had my PIP changed from Flecainide as they said it was the wrong drug as I have furred arteries , so I have been put of Bisoprolol but with caution in case it brings my HR too low.

[secondtry]

I think a low nighttime pulse rate and sleep apnoea more so can both contribute to AF dependent on other individual circumstances.

Fortunately (so far!) my cardiologist went out on a limb and prescribed just Flecainide without the usual pulse lowering BB or CB. great for 10 yrs and counting.

I have diagnosed mild SA around 5 yrs ago and am trying to address it myself with reduced stress and improved nose only breathing. I will update in more detail on the success or otherwise when I have another sleep test scheduled for February.

[Ronnieboy]

I have a very low heart rate but don't suffer from any sleep problems ,or any other health problems , I take xeralto 10mg a day as my only medication.I used to get palpitations but I've worked out the trigger is sugar and they have melted away.

[BaileyC57]

I have been in Afib for over a week and yes my HR goes down to 43, I hate it but I think that is part of Afib!

[Hidden]

I have had a pacemaker for over 15 years because of Bradycardia- well before being hit by PAF back in 2020. It’s a dual chamber PM which runs in passive mode and the latest has been programmed for a daytime and a nighttime setting. During the day if my BPM falls below 50 it will function and likewise during the night should it fall below 40 BPM .

The lower nighttime setting as it’s not abnormal for a heart to drop into the low 40’s during sleep according to consultants.

My pacemaker works about 1% of the time.