Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and cardiovascular diseases

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Sleep Medicine
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a chronic condition causing airway collapse during sleep, leading to oxygen desaturation and sleep disruption.
• OSAS is increasingly linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, though the causal relationship remains under investigation.
• Existing evidence suggests OSAS is associated with hypertension, stroke, arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and heart failure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the multifaceted relationship between OSAS and various cardiovascular conditions.
• To discuss the potential causative or contributing role of OSAS in cardiovascular mortality.
• To examine the shared pathophysiological mechanisms underlying OSAS and cardiovascular disorders.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical evidence linking OSAS to cardiovascular outcomes.
• Discussion of epidemiological data on OSAS and mortality.
• Analysis of biological mechanisms potentially connecting OSAS pathogenesis to cardiovascular disease.

Main Results:

• OSAS is associated with essential and resistant hypertension.
• Reliable evidence links OSAS to increased risk of stroke, arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and heart failure.
• Shared pathophysiological pathways including hypoxia, sympathetic hyperactivity, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction are implicated in both OSAS and CVD.

Conclusions:

• The association between OSAS and cardiovascular disease is biologically plausible due to shared underlying mechanisms.
• Further research is needed to clarify whether OSAS is an independent risk factor or a trigger for CVD in individuals with existing risk factors.
• Understanding these links is crucial for managing OSAS and preventing cardiovascular complications.