Obstructive sleep apnea and the risk for cardiovascular disease

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder with major neurocognitive and cardiovascular sequelae. It is estimated that more than one quarter of the population is at risk for OSA, with increased prevalence noted in populations with hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke, and atrial fibrillation. A number of epidemiologic and mechanistic studies have recently generated interest in the role of OSA in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease, a link that continues to require extensive investigation. This chapter reviews these epidemiologic studies, the current understanding of the mechanisms by which OSA may contribute to the progression of cardiovascular diseases, and the effects of OSA treatment on cardiovascular disease outcomes.

Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure Puja Kohli reports no potential conflict of interest relevant to this article. Jay S. Balachandran has received a grant from the National Institutes of Health. Atul Malhotra has received grants from the National Institutes of Health, the American Heart Association, Sepracor, Cephalon, and Philips. He has also received consulting fees from Philips, Pfizer, Merck, SGS, SHC, Ethicon, Medtronic, Apnex, Apnicure, and Itamar.

Figures

Fig. 1

Effects of obstructive sleep apnea on the cardiovascular system. BP—blood pressure; HR—heart rate; PCO2—partial pressure of carbon dioxide; PO2—partial pressure of oxygen; SNSA—sympathetic nervous system activity