Increased arterial stiffness in obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review
Robert J Doonan1, Patrick Scheffler, Marek Lalli
1Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases arterial stiffness, a cardiovascular risk factor. Treating OSA with continuous positive airway pressure significantly reduces this stiffness, potentially lowering cardiovascular risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Sleep Medicine
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition linked to increased cardiovascular disease, morbidity, and mortality.
- Arterial stiffness is an emerging cardiovascular risk factor implicated in OSA's cardiovascular complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the existing literature on the impact of obstructive sleep apnea on arterial stiffness.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library.
- Twenty-four studies investigating the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and arterial stiffness were identified and included.
Main Results:
- Arterial stiffness was elevated in patients with obstructive sleep apnea compared to controls.
- A positive correlation between the severity of arterial stiffness and obstructive sleep apnea severity was observed in some studies.
- Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with continuous positive airway pressure demonstrated significant reductions in arterial stiffness in clinical trials.
Conclusions:
- Obstructive sleep apnea appears to independently influence arterial stiffness.
- Increased arterial stiffness may be a key mechanism contributing to the cardiovascular risks associated with obstructive sleep apnea.
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