Obstructive sleep apnea and stroke

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common co-morbid condition in stroke patients. It represents a very important risk factor for stroke in addition to the other established ones such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD), hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation (AF), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), stress, smoking, and heavy drinking. Although in the United States the prevalence of OSA has somewhat decreased from the previous years, globally its prevalence remains constant, or in some cases, is on the rise. In this review we present the epidemiology for OSA in stroke populations and discuss the risk factors for stroke as well as the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms linking OSA, stroke and CVD. We also emphasize the more thorough evaluation and control of OSA in order to prevent the disabling side effects of a stroke, which not only compromises the physical and mental health of a person and increases the burden on families, but also adds a severe burden to national health economics. OSA should always be considered when assessing a patient with transient ischemic attacks (TIA). Work up and treatment for OSA will not only help prevent stroke with its devastating consequences, but will also help prevent CVD, and ameliorate co-morbid conditions such as diabetes and hypertension in these vulnerable populations.