Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 16, 2026
Through-the-Wall Blood Sampling Method to Minimize Sleep Disruption in Clinical Settings
Published on: June 13, 2025
What can blood biomarkers tell us about cardiovascular risk in obstructive sleep apnea?
Ivan Guerra de Araújo Freitas1, Pedro Felipe Carvalhedo de Bruin, Lia Bittencourt
1Department of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Rua Prof. Costa Mendes, 1608/4° andar, 60430-140, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
Background:
Despite its high prevalence and frequent association with multiple comorbidities, including hypertension, heart disease, and stroke, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) still lacks appropriate tools for cardiovascular risk assessment and stratification. Circulating biomarkers represent a safe, convenient, and inexpensive possibility, and several studies have been performed to define an ideal marker in this context. Additionally, biomarkers can provide insight into the pathological mechanisms of the disease and suggest new therapeutic approaches.
Methods:
In the present review, the authors critically analyze the biomarkers of cardiovascular risk currently available and other potential markers, including brain natriuretic peptide, C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin 6 (IL-6), cysteine, homocysteine, free fatty acids, 8-isoprostane, gamma-glutamyl transferase, glycated hemoglobin, adipokines, and adhesion molecules.
Conclusion:
The results clearly demonstrate that the relationship between specific biomarkers and OSA is often influenced by age, gender or ethnicity, which has hindered the identification of a unique marker for the evaluation of all patients with OSA. Moreover, given the frequency of comorbidities in OSA, which, by themselves, increase the cardiovascular risk, all confounding factors must be considered in the evaluation of these biomarkers.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
01:21Sleep Apnea
The condition is more prevalent among...
01:20Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
01:25Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
01:23Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
01:27Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration...