Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 14, 2026
07:54
Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy DISE with Target Controlled Infusion TCI and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
20.7K
Beyond Sleep: The Cardiovascular Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Pasquale Palmiero1,2, Francesca Amati3, Lucrezia Bombini3
1Cardiology Equipe, ASL Brindisi, 72100 Brindisi, Italy.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|February 13, 2026
Summary
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) significantly increases cardiovascular risks, including hypertension and arrhythmias. Echocardiography reveals cardiac abnormalities in OSAS patients, necessitating routine screening and multidisciplinary management.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sleep Medicine
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a chronic condition causing airway obstruction, intermittent hypoxia, and sympathetic overactivity.
- OSAS is strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases like hypertension, heart failure, and atherosclerosis, leading to cardiac structural and functional changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of cardiovascular abnormalities in patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) using echocardiography.
- To assess the association between OSAS and cardiac structural and functional alterations.
Main Methods:
- Enrolled 105 consecutive OSAS patients and 100 controls.
- Conducted comprehensive echocardiographic evaluations with Doppler imaging to assess cardiac structure and function.
Main Results:
- OSAS patients showed higher rates of hypertension (81% vs. 74%), left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (56.2% vs. 26%), left atrial enlargement (21% vs. 13%), and left ventricular hypertrophy (51.4% vs. 5%).
- Permanent atrial fibrillation was significantly more frequent in the OSAS group (17.1% vs. 7%).
Conclusions:
- OSAS is linked to significant cardiovascular abnormalities detectable by echocardiography.
- Routine cardiovascular screening and a multidisciplinary approach are essential for managing OSAS patients to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Sleep Apnea
593
Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops intermittently during sleep, often leading to significant health issues. Each episode can last from 10 to 20 seconds or more and is frequently accompanied by a brief arousal from sleep. This disturbance, largely unnoticed by the individual, can lead to severe daytime fatigue. Commonly, individuals seek help after being informed by their partners about loud snoring and noticeable breathing pauses during sleep.
The condition is more prevalent among...
The condition is more prevalent among...
593
01:13Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
962
Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
962
01:22Stages of Sleep
1.5K
Sleep progresses through distinct stages, each characterized by specific brain wave patterns and physiological responses ranging from wakefulness to stages of non-rapid eye movement, known as non-REM, to rapid eye movement, referred to as REM. Understanding these stages helps in recognizing how sleep supports various bodily and cognitive functions.
Before sleep begins, in wakefulness, the brain exhibits primarily beta waves, which are high in frequency and low in amplitude, indicating alertness...
Before sleep begins, in wakefulness, the brain exhibits primarily beta waves, which are high in frequency and low in amplitude, indicating alertness...
1.5K
01:11Understanding Sleep
1.6K
Sleep, an essential biological state, involves significant reductions in physical activity, sensory awareness, and interaction with the environment. This complex physiological process is primarily regulated by specific brain regions, notably the hypothalamus and pons, which govern the sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm.
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...
1.6K
01:17Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking
1.0K
Somnambulism, commonly known as sleepwalking, involves individuals engaging in activities ranging from simple walking to more complex behaviors such as driving. Sleepwalking typically occurs during the slow-wave sleep stages 3 and 4 early in the night when the person is not dreaming, contradicting the myth that sleepwalkers are acting out their dreams.
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...
1.0K
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
462
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
462