2024 | Michael V. DiCaro, KaChon Lei, Brianna Yee and Tahir Tak
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by repeated episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to disrupted breathing patterns and significant cardiovascular morbidity. The condition affects nearly 1 billion people worldwide and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and stroke. OSA's effects on the cardiovascular system are multifaceted, involving anatomical, physiological, and neurological mechanisms, including sympathetic activation, inflammation, and intermittent hypoxia.
The review highlights the epidemiology of OSA, its association with cardiovascular conditions, and the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. It discusses the clinical implications of OSA-related cardiovascular complications and reviews current diagnostic and management strategies, including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliances, and surgical treatments.
CPAP therapy is the primary treatment for OSA, effectively reducing cardiovascular morbidity and improving outcomes in patients with heart failure and hypertension. Other therapeutic strategies, such as lifestyle modifications and surgical interventions, are also discussed. The review emphasizes the importance of managing OSA to mitigate its adverse effects on cardiovascular health and improve patient outcomes.Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by repeated episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to disrupted breathing patterns and significant cardiovascular morbidity. The condition affects nearly 1 billion people worldwide and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and stroke. OSA's effects on the cardiovascular system are multifaceted, involving anatomical, physiological, and neurological mechanisms, including sympathetic activation, inflammation, and intermittent hypoxia.
The review highlights the epidemiology of OSA, its association with cardiovascular conditions, and the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. It discusses the clinical implications of OSA-related cardiovascular complications and reviews current diagnostic and management strategies, including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliances, and surgical treatments.
CPAP therapy is the primary treatment for OSA, effectively reducing cardiovascular morbidity and improving outcomes in patients with heart failure and hypertension. Other therapeutic strategies, such as lifestyle modifications and surgical interventions, are also discussed. The review emphasizes the importance of managing OSA to mitigate its adverse effects on cardiovascular health and improve patient outcomes.