Sleep apnoea syndromes and the cardiovascular system

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pulmonology
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) shares significant links with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
• Effective management requires integrated approaches for both conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of screening for CVD risk in SAS patients and vice versa.
• To review the role of ventilation strategies and positive airway pressure therapies in managing SAS and associated cardiovascular risks.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on the interplay between sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease.
• Analysis of the potential benefits of ventilation strategies (e.g., CPAP, NIV) in heart failure and OSA management.

Main Results:

• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may reduce CVD risk in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), primarily offering symptom control.
• Ventilation strategies for Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) in heart failure show potential but require further validation.
• Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and CPAP are considered for acute decompensated heart failure admissions.

Conclusions:

• Integrated management of SAS and CVD risk is essential.
• CPAP should be combined with robust weight management and bariatric surgery referrals for long-term OSA and CVD risk reduction.
• Ventilation therapies warrant consideration in specific cardiac failure scenarios.