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Obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular comorbidities: a large epidemiologic study
Hanna Gilat1, Shlomo Vinker, Inon Buda
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva (HG, IB, ES, GB); Sackler Faculty of Medicine (HG, IB, GB); Department of Family Medicine, Sackler School of Medicine (SV, MS), Tel Aviv University; Chief Physician Office, Clalit Health Services (SV), Tel Aviv; and Department of Family Medicine, Central District, Clalit Health Services, Rishon Le-Zion (MS), Israel.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is strongly linked to cardiovascular diseases like heart failure and arrhythmias. Early diagnosis and treatment of OSA may improve outcomes for both conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sleep Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent condition characterized by repeated airflow cessation during sleep.
- Growing evidence suggests a connection between OSA and cardiovascular disease (CVD) development and progression.
- Direct associations between OSA and major cardiovascular events require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cardiovascular morbidity.
- To assess cardiovascular disease prevalence in a well-defined patient population with OSA compared to controls.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study using electronic health records from 2002-2010.
- Identified patients diagnosed with OSA and matched them with non-OSA controls based on age and sex.
- Collected data on demographics, socioeconomic status, and medical parameters.
Main Results:
- A study population of 2797 patients (average age 58.1, 76.6% males) was analyzed.
- Significant correlations were found between OSA and ischemic heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmia (all P < 0.001).
- OSA was also significantly associated with lower socioeconomic status (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- OSA demonstrates a strong correlation with various cardiovascular diseases.
- Routine screening for sleep-disordered breathing in cardiovascular patients is recommended.
- Early OSA diagnosis and treatment could positively impact cardiovascular health and potentially prevent major adverse events.
