Correlation between Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Cardiac Disease Severity

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Sleep Medicine
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common respiratory disorder.
• Emerging evidence suggests a link between OSA and vascular diseases, including hypertension.
• The exact mechanisms connecting OSA to cardiovascular diseases like hypertension, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and coronary atherosclerotic disease (CAD).

Main Methods:

• A survey using the Berlin questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was administered to 406 patients.
• Patients completed questionnaires and underwent biochemical tests and review of coronary angiography reports.
• Patients were stratified into low-risk and high-risk groups for OSA based on Berlin questionnaire results.

Main Results:

• Over half of the patients (52.2%) were classified as high risk for OSA.
• High-risk OSA patients exhibited greater coronary artery involvement, daytime sleepiness, and ECG abnormalities compared to low-risk patients.
• Significant differences in lipid profiles were observed: high-risk OSA patients had higher fasting blood sugar (FBS) and LDL, and lower HDL cholesterol.

Conclusions:

• A strong correlation was found between the number of stenotic vessels and OSA.
• The study suggests that OSA may be a predisposing factor for the development of cardiac diseases.