Correlation Analysis between Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) and Heart Rate Variability

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Sleep Medicine
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSAS) is linked to sympathetic nervous system activity, measurable by Heart Rate Variability (HRV).
• The association between specific HRV parameters and Polysomnography (PSG) diagnostic indices in OSAS requires further clarification.
• This study investigates the relationship between HRV and OSAS severity, postulating HRV's utility in screening and arrhythmia risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify the association between HRV parameters and Polysomnography (PSG) diagnostic indices in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSAS).
• To investigate the prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias in relation to OSAS severity.
• To evaluate the potential of HRV parameters, specifically the LF/HF ratio, as an effective screening tool for OSAS.

Main Methods:

• 168 participants were categorized into control, mild-moderate OSAS, and severe OSAS groups based on Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI).
• HRV and PSG parameters, including LF/HF ratio, were collected.
• Spearman's correlation analysis was used to assess relationships between HRV parameters (LF/HF) and OSAS indices (AHI, ODI, MI).

Main Results:

• The prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias was significantly higher in the severe OSAS group compared to control and mild-moderate groups.
• The LF/HF ratio was significantly elevated in both mild-moderate and severe OSAS groups compared to the control group.
• A significant positive correlation was found between the LF/HF ratio and AHI, ODI, and MI in OSAS patients.

Conclusions:

• The LF/HF ratio demonstrates a significant positive correlation with OSAS severity indices (AHI, ODI, MI).
• Severe OSAS is associated with an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias.
• The LF/HF ratio shows promise as an effective parameter for detecting OSAS.