Obstructive sleep apnea, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases
1Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA. kanika.bagai@vanderbilt.edu
The Neurologist
|December 15, 2010
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Early diagnosis and treatment of OSA are crucial for preventing and managing these serious health conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is increasingly recognized as a critical risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
- OSA is implicated in the development of stroke, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and congestive heart failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms linking OSA to atherogenesis and vascular dysfunction.
- To explore the implications of these mechanisms for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its prevention in OSA patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on the pathophysiology of OSA and cardiovascular disease.
- Analysis of cellular and molecular processes involved in atherogenesis and vascular dysfunction in OSA.
Main Results:
- OSA contributes to cardiovascular disease through intermittent hypoxia and arousals.
- Key pathogenic mechanisms include fibrinolytic imbalance, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
- These processes promote atherogenesis and vascular dysfunction, increasing CVD risk.
Conclusions:
- Neurologists must recognize OSA symptoms and its link to CVD, including stroke.
- OSA is an important, modifiable risk factor for CVD and should be screened for in affected patients.
- Understanding this association is vital for public health, enabling primary and secondary CVD event prevention.
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