The use of continuous positive airway pressure was associated with a significant reduction in the recurrence of atrial fibrillation in patients with obstructive sleep apnea, according to an analysis of data from past research published today in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Clinical Electrophysiology.

The analysis found that CPAP use was associated with a 58% relative risk reduction in atrial fibrillation recurrence in patients with obstructive sleep apnea regardless of their primary treatment. While a large randomized trial still needs to be done, the researchers believe the data shows CPAP has potential to be a third treatment option for atrial fibrillation.