Obstructive sleep apnea: An update on mechanisms and cardiovascular consequences

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

• There is growing evidence suggesting a causal relationship between OSA and hypertension.
• OSA may play a role in the initiation and progression of cardiac ischemia, heart failure, and stroke.
• Chronic sympathetic activation is identified as a key mechanism linking OSA to cardiovascular disease.
• Other mechanisms may include inflammation, dysfunction of blood vessel lining, increased endothelin levels, and stimulation of the body's blood pressure regulation system.
• OSA, hypertension, and obesity frequently coexist and may share several underlying mechanisms that contribute to cardiovascular issues.
• Effective treatment of OSA could improve blood pressure control and potentially lower the risk of cardiovascular events.

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