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[Cardiovascular diseases and sleep-disordered breathing]
1Krankenhaus Grosshansdorf, Zentrum für Pneumologie und Thoraxchirurgie, Grosshansdorf. Holger.Hein@t-online.de
Pneumologie (Stuttgart, Germany)
|July 17, 2004
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) affects 1.9% of the population and is linked to cardiovascular issues like arteriosclerosis and hypertension. CPAP therapy can improve many of these associated health problems.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sleep Medicine
- Vascular Biology
Context:
- Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) affects approximately 1.9% of the population, rising to 3% in the 30-60 age group.
- OSAS is associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular disorders, including arteriosclerosis, cardiac arrhythmias, and arterial hypertension.
- Pathophysiological changes in OSAS patients include elevated sympathetic activity, recurrent hypoxemias, endothelial dysfunction, and oxidative stress, all contributing to arteriosclerosis.
Purpose:
- To outline the pathophysiological mechanisms linking OSAS to cardiovascular diseases.
- To highlight altered biochemical markers and microcirculatory disturbances in OSAS patients.
- To underscore the increased morbidity and mortality associated with OSAS and the potential benefits of CPAP therapy.
Summary:
- OSAS patients exhibit elevated sympathetic activity, recurrent hypoxemias, endothelial dysfunction, and oxidative stress, factors implicated in arteriosclerosis.
- Key biochemical markers associated with cardiovascular risk, such as hs-CRP, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-alpha, VEGF, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and L-Selectin, are altered in OSAS.
- Patients with OSAS show impaired insulin sensitivity, microcirculatory disturbances, and elevated blood pressure, leading to increased incidence of coronary heart disease and arteriosclerotic diseases.
Impact:
- OSAS significantly increases morbidity and mortality, particularly from arteriosclerotic diseases.
- The findings emphasize the critical link between sleep apnea and cardiovascular health.
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy has shown potential to ameliorate many of the discussed pathophysiological disturbances in OSAS patients.