Sleep, Heart Rhythm Links Explored

Two types of breathing problems during sleep are linked to specific types of heart rhythm problems, researchers report. The study included 2,911 men, age 65 or older. Their hearts and breathing were monitored while they slept. Some men had central sleep apnea. This means that breathing stops briefly when the brain “forgets” to breathe. Men with central sleep apnea were more likely to have a rhythm problem in the upper chambers of the heart. Other men had obstructive sleep apnea. This occurs when throat muscles relax, blocking the airway during sleep. These men were more likely to have a rhythm problem involving the lower chambers of the heart. The study appeared in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine. Reuters Health news service wrote about it June 22.