Obstructive Sleep Apneas and Cardiovascular Diseases
Vincenzo Castiglione1,2, Paolo Morfino1, Iacopo Fabiani1
1Health Science Interdisciplinary Research Center, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
Clocks & Sleep
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to heart disease. While treatments improve quality of life, evidence for reducing cardiovascular events is mixed, highlighting the need for better patient selection.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sleep Medicine
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep-disordered breathing condition.
- OSA involves recurrent upper-airway obstruction, leading to intermittent hypoxemia and sympathetic activation.
- It is strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiology of OSA and its cardiovascular consequences.
- To summarize diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for OSA.
- To highlight clinical implications for cardiology practice.
Main Methods:
- Review of current evidence on OSA pathophysiology, cardiovascular effects, and treatments.
- Discussion of established treatments: lifestyle changes, CPAP, mandibular devices, surgery.
- Exploration of emerging therapies: pharmacological approaches for weight loss and ventilation.
Main Results:
- OSA treatment improves patient symptoms and quality of life.
- Evidence for reducing cardiovascular events with OSA treatment is heterogeneous.
- Patient selection and treatment adherence significantly influence cardiovascular outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Identifying patients who will benefit most from OSA management is crucial.
- Further research is needed to optimize OSA treatment strategies for cardiovascular risk reduction.
- Integrated care between sleep specialists and cardiologists is essential for managing OSA in cardiovascular patients.
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