Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Peripheral Arterial Disease: Current Evidence

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Sleep Medicine
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is linked to atherosclerosis.
• Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a key manifestation of atherosclerosis in the lower extremities.
• A systematic review on the PAD-SDB relationship was lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and summarize the current clinical evidence on the association between SDB and PAD.
• To consolidate findings from studies investigating the co-occurrence and relationship between these two conditions.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive search of PubMed and Embase databases was conducted.
• Included clinical studies published before April 3, 2019, that evaluated the SDB-PAD association.
• Results from identified studies were synthesized to describe the relationship.

Main Results:

• Eight clinical studies were included, predominantly cross-sectional.
• Six studies indicated a coexistence of SDB and PAD, with high prevalence in both patient groups.
• Independent positive associations between SDB/sleep parameters and PAD were observed after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusions:

• Current clinical evidence suggests a positive association between SDB and PAD.
• Further prospective and randomized controlled studies are necessary to establish causality.
• Understanding this relationship may inform clinical management strategies for patients with PAD or SDB.