Sleep-disordered breathing: clinical features, pathophysiology and diagnosis

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Sleep Medicine
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) prevalence is rising due to obesity and aging populations.
• SDB is associated with significant cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, including hypertension, coronary heart disease, and stroke.
• Growing evidence suggests adverse long-term effects of SDB on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize epidemiological data on SDB and its link to cardio- and cerebrovascular disorders.
• To explore the pathophysiological mechanisms connecting SDB with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
• To provide a critical overview of current SDB diagnostic procedures.

Main Methods:

• Review of epidemiological studies investigating the association between SDB and cardiovascular/cerebrovascular diseases.
• Analysis of pathophysiological pathways linking SDB to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions.
• Critical evaluation of diagnostic tools and approaches for SDB.

Main Results:

• SDB is increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor for hypertension, coronary heart disease, and stroke.
• Pathophysiological mechanisms involve sympathetic activation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction.
• Systematic screening for SDB is warranted in high-risk populations due to potential long-term health consequences.

Conclusions:

• SDB is a growing public health concern with established links to serious cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions.
• Further research is needed to clarify the long-term benefits and optimal management strategies for SDB treatment.
• Current diagnostic methods are improving, supporting the consideration of screening in at-risk individuals.