I am a 54 year old female, 40 pounds overweight. I had episodes of PAT for about 20 years which I learned to convert on my own. Doctors were never too concerned about it. About 3 years ago I had my first episode of atrial fibrillation. I have had two other episodes, the last one being 8 months ago. Each time I went to ER and was successfully converted with drug therapy. I am now on flecanide 100 mg twice a day and take aspirin. I was on coumadin for a few months and then taken off because everything appeared to be stable. I also have high blood pressure which has been successfully under control with Lotrel until very recently. I also have underactive thyroid for which I take synthroid. I thought I was doing OK until the last few weeks, when I wake up with a pounding, racing heart. Once awake, I can usually calm down but it is very disturbing when it happens. Since I take my BP at home, I have noticed it getting higher (140/89 this AM). What has me curious is that every time I have had an a-fib episode it has happened when I've been asleep and I wake up and realize my heart rhythm is irregular. I have been reading about the possible connection of sleep apnea and a-fib. Could this be my problem? I have never had a sleep test or been recommended for one. I plan to see my cardiologist within the next two weeks, but I thought I would seek some input here. Thanks for your help.