Sex-Specific Associations of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Risk With Patient Characteristics and Functional Outcomes After...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Sleep Medicine
• Gender Health

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to cardiovascular outcomes, but its sex-specific impact post-acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is understudied.
• Limited data exist on how OSA risk affects functional recovery in young adults after AMI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the sex-specific association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk and functional outcomes in young adults following acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
• To compare health status and depressive symptoms between men and women at high risk for OSA after AMI.

Main Methods:

• The VIRGO study analyzed 3141 patients (aged 18-55) with AMI, assessing OSA risk using the Berlin Questionnaire at admission.
• Functional outcomes, including health status and depressive symptoms, were evaluated at 1 and 12 months post-AMI.

Main Results:

• 49% of patients were at high risk for OSA, yet only 4.7% had a prior diagnosis.
• High OSA risk was associated with poorer health status and increased depression in both sexes, with a wider disparity observed in women.
• Women with high OSA risk reported worse health, depression, and quality of life compared to high-risk men.

Conclusions:

• Young women with high OSA risk exhibit poorer health status and more depressive symptoms than men post-AMI, suggesting a higher risk of adverse outcomes.
• A significant proportion of patients at high risk for OSA are undiagnosed at the time of AMI presentation.
• Early identification and management of OSA in young women post-AMI are crucial for improving functional recovery and long-term health outcomes.