Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Overview

A healthcare provider will diagnose OSA after taking your medical history, performing a physical exam and recommending tests. During the exam, your provider will examine your mouth, neck and throat. They’ll also ask you about what symptoms you experience at night and during the daytime.

Two tests can help diagnose OSA, including:

Overnight sleep study (polysomnogram): This is an overnight test where you sleep in a medical facility where they monitor your sleep.
Home sleep apnea testing: This is similar to an overnight sleep study but doesn’t involve brain wave monitoring and other types of sensors and you get to stay home.

If you suspect you or a loved one has OSA, you might be able to help a healthcare provider diagnose it. You can take video and audio recordings of the person sleeping with their permission. This key evidence may help speed up the diagnostic process.

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.