Association between obstructive sleep apnea, high-sensitivity c-reactive protein, and mitral annular calcification: a...

This study aims to explore the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and mitral annular calcification (MAC), and to assess the role of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 200 individuals who underwent physical examinations at Shanghai Health and Medical Center and received medical services at Zhongda Hospital between January and December 2025. From polysomnography findings, participants were categorized into the OSA group (n = 160) and the non-OSA group (n = 40). All participants underwent transthoracic echocardiography and serum hs-CRP measurement. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26.0. The OSA group demonstrated significantly higher age, proportion of males, body mass index (BMI), apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), prevalence of MAC (96.3% vs. 2.5%), and hs-CRP levels (2.9 ± 2.7 vs. 1.3 ± 1.2 mg/L) compared to the non-OSA group (p < 0.01). hs-CRP levels increased progressively with OSA severity and MAC severity (trend p < 0.001). Correlation analysis indicated positive associations between AHI and MAC severity (r = 0.680, p < 0.001), as well as between hs-CRP and MAC severity (r = 0.512, p < 0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis, after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, lipid profile, and blood glucose levels, both AHI (β = 0.403, p < 0.001) and hs-CRP (β = 0.286, p < 0.001) remained independent factors positively associated with MAC severity. OSA severity was independently associated with the presence and severity of MAC. Elevated hs-CRP levels, indicative of systemic inflammation, may represent a key mechanistic link between OSA and MAC.