Volume 28, Issue 151, Septemper 2024

What is the relationship between Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and cardiovascular disease? Pathophysiology and therapeutic strategies: A review of the literature

Agata Pisklak^1♦, Joanna Sykuła², Natalia Zalewska³, Kinga Filipek¹

¹Międzyleski Specialist Hospital, Bursztynowa 2, 04-749 Warsaw, Poland
²Medical Hospital in Garwolin, Lubelska 50, 08-400 Garwolin, Poland
³Bielański Hospital, Cegłowska 80, 01-809 Warsaw, Poland

^♦Corresponding Author
Międzyleski Specialist Hospital, Bursztynowa 2, 04-749 Warsaw, Poland

ABSTRACT

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a usual sleep disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. This condition is characteristic of recurrent episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep. This condition results in intermittent hypoxia and also sleep fragmentation. Due to OSA, there is a range of adverse health outcomes, including chronic fatigue, daytime sleepiness, depression, and an increased cardiovascular risk. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) include hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), myocardial infarction, stroke, arrhythmias, and other diseases. This syndrome can be potentially lifethreatening. The pathophysiological mechanisms linking OSA to CVD are multifactorial, including but not limited to increased sympathetic activity, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction, which is a part of the discussion in our review. The processes mentioned contribute to the development and progression of atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and heart failure. In addition, this review examines the efficacy of different therapeutic approaches for treating sleep apnoea. A considerable body of evidence from many studies indicates that the treatment of OSA has a two-fold effect: it alleviates the severity of apnoea but also reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most important aspect of treating sleep apnoea, particularly in cases of moderate to severe severity. CPAP is an effective method for reducing disease severity, lowering blood pressure, and improving sleep quality. Therefore, the treatment of OSA is crucial in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Keywords: Obstructive sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease, heart failure, inflammation

Medical Science, 2024, 28, e124ms3437

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v28i151.e124ms3437

Published: 14 Septemper 2024