Sleep-disordered breathing and future cardiovascular disease risk

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Cardiology
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) affects 0.6-15% of women of reproductive age.
• SDB is linked to higher risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD), CVD mortality, and all-cause mortality.
• Pregnancy complicated by SDB is associated with increased perinatal morbidity, including gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preeclampsia, which predict later CVD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the significance of SDB in reproductive-age women.
• To emphasize the link between SDB, perinatal complications, and future cardiovascular health.
• To advocate for screening and treatment of SDB in the perinatal period.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing evidence on SDB prevalence and its association with cardiovascular and perinatal outcomes.
• Analysis of the predictive value of SDB-related perinatal conditions for long-term cardiovascular disease.
• Evaluation of the impact of SDB treatment on cardiovascular events and mortality.

Main Results:

• SDB significantly increases lifetime risks for cardiovascular disease and mortality.
• Pregnancy-related conditions linked to SDB (gestational diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia) are markers for future CVD.
• Treatment of SDB has been shown to reduce future cardiovascular events and mortality.

Conclusions:

• Screening for SDB in at-risk women during the perinatal period is crucial for early identification.
• Interventions such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and lifestyle changes can mitigate adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
• Addressing SDB in women of reproductive age, particularly during pregnancy, is vital for preventing long-term cardiovascular disease.