Association between obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular diseases

Area of Science:

• Respiratory Medicine
• Cardiology
• Sleep Science

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent respiratory disorder marked by upper airway obstruction and breathing cessation during sleep.
• OSA's pathophysiology involves intermittent hypoxemia, recurrent arousals, and intrathoracic pressure swings, triggering various detrimental signaling pathways.
• These include sympathetic overactivity, oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and metabolic disturbances like insulin resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the intricate link between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the pathogenesis of diverse cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
• To emphasize the critical need for a deeper understanding of OSA's etiology and the importance of early diagnosis.
• To underscore the vulnerability of patients with CVDs to OSA and its associated adverse outcomes, despite existing therapies.

Main Methods:

• Review of current scientific literature on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its cardiovascular implications.
• Analysis of the etiological factors contributing to OSA and their impact on physiological systems.
• Examination of the relationship between OSA and various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including hypertension, heart failure, and stroke.

Main Results:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is strongly associated with major cardiovascular risk factors and contributes to the development of numerous cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
• Conditions linked to OSA include hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, stroke, and pulmonary hypertension.
• While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) reduces cardiovascular morbidity, patients with CVDs remain at high risk.

Conclusions:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a significant, often undertreated, contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
• A comprehensive understanding of OSA's etiology is essential for improving clinical management and patient outcomes.
• Early diagnosis and effective management of OSA are crucial, particularly in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).