Cardiovascular consequences of obstructive sleep apnoea.
Fatima H Sert Kuniyoshi1, Snigdha Pusalavidyasagar, Prachi Singh
1Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic & Foundation, Rochester, MN, USA.
The Indian Journal of Medical Research
|March 24, 2010
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a common breathing disorder, is linked to serious cardiovascular diseases. Early detection and treatment of OSA may reduce the risk of fatal cardiovascular events in affected patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sleep Medicine
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disordered breathing condition, frequently underdiagnosed.
- OSA is significantly associated with major cardiovascular diseases (CVD) including hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, and arrhythmias.
- The presence of OSA may be a critical predictor of fatal cardiovascular events in individuals with pre-existing CVD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the association between obstructive sleep apnoea and cardiovascular diseases.
- To explore the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms linking OSA and CVD.
- To emphasize the clinical importance of considering OSA in patients with cardiovascular conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating OSA and cardiovascular outcomes.
- Analysis of proposed pathophysiological pathways including sympathetic overactivity, metabolic and inflammatory markers, and vascular dysfunction.
- Clinical practice recommendations based on current evidence.
Main Results:
- OSA is strongly correlated with increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
- Proposed mechanisms involve sympathetic nervous system activation, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction.
- Further randomized controlled trials are required to confirm the benefits of OSA treatment on cardiovascular outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Obstructive sleep apnoea is an underrecognized contributor to cardiovascular disease burden.
- Understanding the mechanisms linking OSA and CVD is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies.
- Clinical vigilance for OSA in patients with CVD is warranted, pending further evidence from intervention studies.
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