Correlation between obstructive sleep apnea and ventricular function: a cross-sectional hospital-based study

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Sleep Medicine
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a significant global contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
• Previous research indicates a high prevalence of OSA in patients with heart failure.
• This study investigates the connection between OSA, cardiac dysfunction, and the utility of the myocardial performance index (Tei).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the association between obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and cardiac dysfunction.
• To determine the importance of the myocardial performance index (Tei) in identifying cardiac dysfunction in OSA patients.

Main Methods:

• Thirty participants with OSA and sinus rhythm were enrolled, excluding those with arrhythmias or significant valvular heart disease.
• Participants underwent nocturnal polysomnography, electrocardiogram, and transthoracic echocardiography.
• Data analysis focused on correlating OSA severity (Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index - AHI) with echocardiographic parameters, including Tei.

Main Results:

• The study population exhibited high rates of hypertension (50%) and diabetes (30%), with a mean BMI of 40.11 kg/m² and AHI of 22.12 events/h.
• Significant differences in left ventricular dimensions and systolic function were observed across mild, moderate, and severe OSA.
• A positive correlation was found between AHI and both right and left Tei values, indicating worsening cardiac function with increased OSA severity.

Conclusions:

• Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is prevalent in patients with comorbidities like hypertension and diabetes and is associated with ventricular remodelling and cardiac dysfunction.
• The severity of OSA positively correlates with impaired cardiac function, as assessed by the Tei.
• Echocardiographic evaluation, including Tei, offers a non-invasive method for assessing global ventricular function in OSA patients.