Risk factors of left ventricular hypertrophy in obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) are both related to major cardiovascular diseases. Previous studies have indicated that, compared with non-OSA, OSA is related to LVH with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.70 (95% CI: 1.44-2.00), particularly in patients with coronary artery disease. Meta-analysis has revealed that the severity of OSA is significantly associated with left ventricular mass compared with non-OSA controls. There is, however, limited data on the risk factors of LVH in patients with OSA. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence and clinical factors that are predictive of LVH in patients with OSA. A retrospective analysis of adult patients diagnosed with OSA who had undergone echocardiography was performed. LVH defined by echocardiography indicated an enlarged LV mass index. Clinical factors predictive of LVH were assessed using multivariate logistic regression analyses. An unadjusted OR and an adjusted OR with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were determined. During the study period, 130 patients met the study criteria, with an LVH prevalence of 27.69% (36 patients). The final predictive model of LVH comprised six factors: Age, sex, unrefreshed sleep, body mass index, systolic blood pressure and apnea-hypopnea index. Only age was independently associated with LVH, with an adjusted OR of 1.048 (95% CI: 1.002-1.096). The prevalence rate of LVH in patients with OSA was 27.69%. Older age was independently related to LVH in patients with OSA.