Obstructive sleep apnoea and cardiovascular complications: perception versus knowledge

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk, independent of common risk factors.

• Patients with severe OSA have a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke.
• The mechanisms linking OSA to increased cardiovascular risk may involve sympathetic activation, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
• The relationship between OSA and cardiovascular diseases may be influenced by components of metabolic syndrome, including obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidaemia.
• Current understanding of the cardiovascular effects of OSA is still evolving and requires further exploration.

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