Respiratory and cardiac manifestations of obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is largely under-diagnosed and unrecognized by primary care practitioners. Insidious changes within the respiratory and cardiovascular systems occur over time in untreated OSAHS. Respiratory manifestations of OSAHS include changes in the hypoxic ventilatory response, which can lead to long-term facilitation of ventilation in breathing and production of oxidative stress. Cardiovascular manifestations of OSAHS include increased sympathetic activity, endothelial dysfunction, and over-production of inflammatory cytokines. These changes are likely responsible for many of the pathologic sequelae associated with OSAHS.