An irregular heartbeat is most definitely a symptom of untreated OSA. For some, it manifests as Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs), atrial fibrillation, or even episodes of tachy-brady syndrome. In many cases, these symptoms resolve after time on CPAP therapy.
As a critical care RN, I have worked with many patients and physicians who have had experience with this very issue. I myself was recently diagnosed with OSA following months of symptoms of unknown origin. I am 31 years old, obese, but with no previous cardiac- or any other- history. In addition to constant PVC's (for which I wear a Holter monitor), I have experienced the following symptoms:
1. Migraines (almost daily, especially upon waking, for which I have missed work)
2. Panic attacks (almost daily and upon waking at night)
3. Nightmares (usually about death)
4. Brain fog (constantly for 6+ months)
5. Depression and anxiety (despite medication)
6. Inability to lose weight (despite diet, exercise, and conservative meds)
7. Decreased libido (to almost nonexistent)
8. Increased shortness of breath during normal daily activity (stairs, walking to work, cleaning house)
9. A feeling of "weightlessness" in my bed upon waking, even after a full night of sleep
I do not know if I snore because I live alone. I do not have chest pain or awaken feeling short of breath. I am tired absolutely every day and all of the time.
Needless to say, my life has been absolute hell for months. It has taken a long time to come to this diagnosis despite my work as an RN, especially because I am heavy and work 12hr night shifts. These symptoms, combined with my new PVC's, were the final piece in the OSA puzzle for my pulmonologist and I. According to him, PVC's or other cardiac symptoms are an urgent (but not emergent) indicator for a sleep study and a probable diagnosis of OSA. Pathophysiologically, the heart is not receiving adequate oxygenation while asleep and is "robbing" the lungs of needed O2 in order for the cells to survive (cardiac ischemia). This environment creates pulmonary hypertension as the capillary beds "work overtime" to supply the "greedy" heart. This results in shortness of breath, even "brain fog", as the lungs and brain are starved of oxygen. Symptoms are often noticeable in daily activities. He went on to say that my struggles with many symptoms (including my weight) would lessen or completely resolve on CPAP therapy.
I hope this helps clear up some confusion. I await the formal results of my sleep study now, and I hope to get back to my normal life very soon.
Thanks for listening!