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Evidence for left ventricular dysfunction in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome
M Alchanatis1, G Tourkohoriti, E N Kosmas
1Pulmonary Dept. Athens University Medical School, Greece. enkosmas@mland.gr
The European Respiratory Journal
|November 27, 2002
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients without heart conditions develop left ventricular dysfunction. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment significantly improved heart function in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sleep Medicine
- Physiology
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is increasingly recognized for its systemic effects.
- Limited data exists on left ventricular (LV) dysfunction development in OSA patients lacking comorbidities.
- Understanding OSA's impact on cardiac function is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate LV dysfunction in OSA patients without cardiac or pulmonary comorbidity.
- To assess the efficacy of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in improving LV function in these patients.
Main Methods:
- Technetium-99m ventriculography was used to evaluate LV function in 29 OSA patients and 12 controls.
- Key parameters measured included LV ejection fraction (LVEF), LV peak emptying rate (LVPER), and filling rates (LVPFR, TPFR).
- Measurements were taken before and after 6 months of CPAP treatment.
Main Results:
- OSA patients exhibited significantly lower LVEF and LVPER compared to controls.
- Reduced LVPFR and delayed TPFR were also observed in OSA patients.
- CPAP treatment for 6 months led to significant improvements in LVEF, LVPER, LVPFR, and TPFR.
Conclusions:
- OSA patients, even without pre-existing heart disease, can develop systolic and diastolic LV dysfunction.
- CPAP therapy demonstrates potential to reverse or partially restore LV function in OSA patients.
- These findings highlight the importance of addressing OSA to prevent cardiac complications.