Sleep apnoea as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease: current evidence, basic mechanisms and research priorities: Fig. 1—

Jan 2, 2007The European respiratory journal

Sleep apnea as a separate risk factor for heart and blood vessel disease: current evidence, key causes, and research needs

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Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is significantly associated with cardiovascular disease, especially systemic arterial hypertension.

  • There is evidence supporting an independent association between OSAS and several cardiovascular conditions, including ischaemic heart disease, stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and cardiac sudden death.
  • The mechanisms linking OSAS to cardiovascular disease may involve sympathetic nervous system overactivity and activation of inflammatory pathways.
  • Endothelial dysfunction and abnormal blood clotting may also play roles in this association.
  • Metabolic dysregulation, particularly insulin resistance and disordered lipid metabolism, could be contributing factors.
  • Future research should focus on large-scale studies to explore these mechanisms and their interactions with conditions like obesity and diabetes.

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