[Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and its relationship with ischaemic stroke]

To describe the main physiopathological mechanisms of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) associated with the development of stroke.

Sleep breathing disorders have a high prevalence in the healthy population, among them, the OSAS is the most recognized. This syndrome has been associated with vascular diseases such as stroke, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, among others. Stroke has a high global prevalence and is considered a catastrophic disease. The physiopathological mechanisms are of great importance to understand the relationship that exists between OSAS and stroke. Both diseases are associated with molecular, cellular, and autonomic nervous system changes, with systemic cardiovascular repercussions and in particular with the vascular health of the brain.

The relationship between OSAS and ischaemic stroke is evident. The advance in the identification of molecular markers and low-cost studies for the identification of OSAS will allow implementing strategies to reduce their consequences in cardiovascular diseases, mainly in ischaemic stroke.