Obstructive sleep apnea: an emerging risk factor for atherosclerosis

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Sleep Medicine
• Atherosclerosis Research

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to cardiovascular mortality, including myocardial infarction and stroke.
• Atherosclerosis is a common pathway for these cardiovascular events.
• Investigating the relationship between OSA and atherosclerosis is crucial for understanding cardiovascular disease development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of OSA's role in atherogenesis.
• To explore how OSA exacerbates atherogenic risk factors and exerts direct proatherogenic effects.
• To update on the association between OSA and atherosclerosis markers and the impact of OSA treatment.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical data and experimental evidence from animal models.
• Analysis of cross-sectional studies examining OSA and atherosclerosis markers.
• Evaluation of randomized clinical trial data on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment for OSA and atherosclerosis.

Main Results:

• OSA is independently associated with premature atherosclerosis markers, particularly in the carotid arteries.
• OSA contributes to atherosclerosis by worsening hypertension, insulin resistance, diabetes, and dyslipidemia.
• OSA has direct proatherogenic effects, including systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction.

Conclusions:

• OSA plays a significant role in accelerating atherosclerosis.
• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment may attenuate the progression of carotid atherosclerosis.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate OSA's impact on atherogenesis and explore therapeutic strategies.