Longitudinal ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with very severe obstructive sleep apnea: A case control...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Sleep Medicine
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent and linked to cardiovascular disease.
• Subclinical ventricular dysfunction is an emerging concern in OSA patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate subclinical systolic ventricular dysfunction in very severe OSA patients.
• Utilize novel speckle tracking echocardiographic (STE) techniques for assessment.

Main Methods:

• Included 31 patients with very severe OSA (AHI >40) and 31 matched controls.
• Performed conventional echocardiography, tissue Doppler, and STE.
• Assessed global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global circumferential strain.

Main Results:

• Patients with OSA showed significantly reduced diastolic function.
• Global longitudinal strain (GLS) was significantly reduced in OSA patients (p<0.01).
• Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) was the sole significant predictor of GLS.

Conclusions:

• Very severe OSA is associated with diastolic dysfunction and early systolic abnormalities (abnormal GLS).
• Sleep apnea severity (AHI) is the primary predictor of longitudinal strain abnormalities.