[Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and cardiovascular consequences: which complementary studies and monitoring?]

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a recognized cardiovascular risk factor. Its treatment has been shown to prevent those complications, although in some cases, controversies still remain. However, links between OSAS and cardiovascular and metabolic issues lead to carefully evaluate cardiovascular system when an OSAS is newly diagnosed. Cardiovascular evaluation of a newly diagnosed OSAS will depend on its background. In the case of already known cardiovascular and metabolic mordibities, with a recent evaluation, no additional investigations are needed. By contrast, in the case of a severe OSAS with unknown cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, in addition of a thorough clinical examination, evaluation should include at least fasting glucose, cholesterolemia and triglyceridemia. Ambulatory blood pressure recording should be discussed, together with an EKG and supra aortic vessels echo-doppler.