Heart and blood vessel problems linked to obstructive sleep apnea
Updated
Abstract
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is associated with multiple cardiovascular complications.
- OSA is often underdiagnosed despite its high prevalence rate.
- It is linked to conditions such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke, and heart failure.
- The presence of OSA may strongly predict fatal cardiovascular events in individuals with cardiovascular disease.
- Proposed mechanisms for the association include increased sympathetic drive and impaired vascular function.
- Understanding the mechanisms of OSA is important for developing treatment strategies.
- Randomized intervention studies are needed to determine if early detection and treatment of OSA can reduce cardiovascular issues.
Simplified